University of California, San Diego scientists have developed a lithium-ion battery that performs well in freezing cold and scorching heat while packing a lot of energy at the same time. It is stated that the developed battery can enable electric vehicles to go farther on a single charge in extreme temperature conditions.
The electrolyte is also compatible with lithium-sulfur batteries
The researchers say that behind the battery’s ability to perform well in extreme temperatures is the electrolyte, which consists of a liquid solution of dibutyl ether mixed with lithium salt. Dibutyl ether binds weakly to the lithium ions of its molecules. In other words, electrolyte molecules can easily release lithium ions while the battery is running.
The team states that this weak interaction improves battery performance at sub-zero temperatures, and dibutyl ether can easily absorb heat as it remains liquid at high temperatures.
In the tests carried out, it was seen that the battery retained 87.5% of its energy capacities at -40 degrees Celsius and 115.9% at 50 degrees Celsius. It is also stated that the batteries have a Coulombic efficiency of 98.2% and 98.7%, respectively, at these temperatures, which means that the batteries can enter more charge and discharge cycles.
The developed dibutyl ether electrolyte is also compatible with a lithium-sulfur battery, which has an anode made of lithium metal and a cathode made of sulfur. Lithium-sulfur batteries promise to store up to twice as much energy per kilogram as current lithium-ion batteries. This means that electric cars can double their range.
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