Battery technology has always faced challenges when it comes to operating in extreme conditions, especially in freezing temperatures. Conventional lithium-ion batteries with graphite anodes have shown significant limitations in subzero environments, leading to decreased storage capacity and potential safety hazards. However, a recent development by the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has introduced a redox-active metal-organic hybrid electrode material, SKIER-5, that overcomes these challenges and offers superior performance in cold conditions.
The research team at KIER, led by Dr. Jungjoon Yoo, Dr. Kanghoon Yim, and Dr. Hyunuk Kim, designed a revolutionary electrode material using a redox-active conductive metal-organic framework called SKIER-5. Unlike traditional graphite anodes, SKIER-5 is assembled from a trianthrene-based organic ligand and nickel ions, which allows for improved interaction with lithium ions and triggers redox reactions involving electron transfer. This unique composition results in a discharge capacity five times higher than that of graphite in subzero temperatures, making SKIER-5 a promising alternative for a wide range of applications, including electric vehicles, drones, and ultra-small electronic devices.
One of the key advantages of SKIER-5 is its exceptional stability in cold conditions, even as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. The material maintains a discharge capacity of 440 mAh/g at room temperature, surpassing the capacity of graphite electrodes. Notably, after 1,600 charge-discharge cycles, the capacity of SKIER-5 increased by approximately 1.5 times, which defies the typical decrease in discharge capacity observed in traditional battery materials. This superior performance is attributed to SKIER-5’s lower energy threshold for initiating chemical reactions compared to graphite, allowing for stable operation in low-temperature environments where reaction rates usually decrease.
The operating principle of SKIER-5 was validated through high flux X-ray analysis at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, confirming its redox mechanism and electron storage capabilities. Additionally, first-principles calculations based on quantum chemistry were used to determine the theoretical capacity and reaction voltage of SKIER-5, which closely matched the experimental results. This groundbreaking research paves the way for the development of advanced battery technologies that can withstand extreme conditions and offer enhanced performance for various applications.
The development of SKIER-5 by the Korea Institute of Energy Research represents a significant advancement in battery technology, particularly in terms of low-temperature stability and discharge capacity. With its unique composition and exceptional performance in subzero environments, SKIER-5 has the potential to revolutionize the field of lithium-ion batteries and open up new possibilities for energy storage in demanding conditions. This breakthrough not only addresses the limitations of traditional battery materials but also sets a new standard for efficiency, safety, and reliability in the ever-evolving landscape of energy storage solutions.
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