Chinese researchers extend lithium-ion battery life sixfold with new repair method

A new battery repair method created by Chinese researchers may boost the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries by over six times, potentially reshaping the durability of electric cars and mobile devices. The discovery, which appears in Nature, centers on injecting a tailored solution that restores worn-out batteries to near-original performance levels.

After four years of research, Fudan University's macromolecular science experts—Gao Yue and Peng Huisheng—discovered a brand-new lithium carrier called trifluoromethyl sulfonate lithium. This molecule is efficient at refilling lost lithium ions in aging batteries and plays nicely with different types of batteries and electrolytes.

In lab tests, the results were nothing short of astonishing: a commercial lithium iron phosphate battery, once treated, maintained its initial performance for 12,000 charging cycles, a huge jump from the usual 2,000-cycle lifespan. Even more impressive, the treated battery showed just four percent degradation after 11,818 cycles. In contrast, a standard electric vehicle battery typically suffers a 30 percent drop in capacity within about 2.7 years under equivalent charging routines.

To make use of this technology, batteries need to be built with features that allow for electrolyte replenishment and the safe release of gases. During the rejuvenation process, the compound breaks down to release lithium ions, which then rejoin the electrode material while also generating gaseous byproducts that must be adequately vented.

This development could have a major positive impact on the environment besides extending a battery's operational life. Longer-lasting batteries mean less electronic waste and a lower dependence on lithium mining. According to Fudan University, the solution is affordable and ready to scale, and the research team is currently teaming up with major global battery producers to speed up commercialization.

In short, this breakthrough represents a significant shift from traditional battery design, paving the way for more sustainable battery technologies across the industry. Of course, further testing and regulatory approvals are still needed before this innovative solution can be rolled out on a large scale.