The Cornell team, led by Yu Zhong, took on the challenge of creating a solid electrolyte that could compete with traditional liquid electrolytes. Their innovation is based on the use of macrocycles and of molecular cagesforming a unique structure that facilitates the rapid transport of lithium ions.
This innovative configuration made it possible to achieve record conductivity for molecular-based solid electrolytes. According to Yu Zhong:
- The conductivity obtained is the highest ever recorded for this type of material
- The structure provides an ideal path for ion transport
- The results were published in the prestigious Journal of the American Chemical Society
This advance could resolve one of the main obstacles to the development of solid-state batteries: the increased resistance to the movement of ions in solid materials.
Implications for safety and reliability of electric vehicles
Current lithium-ion batteries, using liquid electrolytes, present certain risks. They can form dendrites, spine-like structures that can cause short circuits or, in rare cases, explosions. THE solid electrolyte batteries promise to eliminate these dangers.
Although electric vehicle fires are often publicized, it is essential to note that:
| Vehicle type | Fire risk |
|---|---|
| Gasoline vehicles | Higher |
| Electric vehicles | Weaker |
Nevertheless, improving battery safety remains a critical issue for the future of clean energy and the mass adoption of electric vehicles.
A global effort to influence batteries
The Cornell team is not alone in this quest. Scientists around the world are working on improving solid electrolyte batteries:
- McGill University au Canada
- The United States Department of Energy
- Research teams in South Korea
These efforts are not limited to security. Researchers are also studying avenues for:
- Reduce the cost of batteries
- Use more abundant materials
- Optimize energy density
These improvements could have a significant impact on the electric vehicle market, addressing drivers' concerns aboutautonomythe security and the prix.
Towards a cleaner electric future
Electric vehicles already offer significant benefits: fuel savings, reduced maintenance costs and reduced air pollution. Improving batteries will strengthen these assets, accelerating the transition to more sustainable mobility.
The Cornell team doesn't stop there. Thanks to the scanning transmission electron microscopythey were able to understand in depth how their new structure worked. This understanding paves the way for other potential applications, such as water purification.
Yu Zhong and his team are now working on the synthesis of new molecules and different geometries to expand the possibilities for creating innovative nanoporous materials. This research could well be the catalyst for a real revolution in the field of electric mobility and beyond.
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