University Research

Improving lithium metal battery life, safety with solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) - Penn State University

Novel technology aims to improve lithium metal battery life, safety

Rechargeable lithium metal batteries with increased energy density, performance, and safety may be possible with a newly-developed, solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI).
The stability of the SEI has been a critical issue halting their advancement because a salt layer on the surface of the battery's lithium electrode insulates it and conducts lithium ions.
This layer is very important and is naturally formed by the reaction between the lithium and the electrolyte in the battery.
The reactive polymer also decreases the weight and manufacturing cost, further enhancing the future of lithium metal batteries.
The polymer layer improves stability, energy density, reduces the weight and manufacturing cost of lithium-ion batteries.