A team of scientists in South Korea has introduced a new method to improve next-generation batteries. The research focuses on addressing long-standing issues in performance and durability.
The team was led by Dr. Jeong Sohee from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology and Dr. Lee Kwang-hee from the Institute for Advanced Engineering. They developed a new catalyst design that improves both speed and stability in lithium-air batteries.
As electric vehicles and energy storage systems expand rapidly, researchers are exploring better alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-air batteries are seen as a strong option because they can store much more energy.
In theory, these batteries can achieve over ten times the energy density of lithium-ion systems. This means electric vehicles could run much longer on a single charge.
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However, the technology has faced major challenges. One key issue is slow chemical reactions inside the battery.
These reactions depend on catalytic sites. These are small active sites where oxygen reactions occur during charging and discharging. In most designs, such active sites are limited. This leads to lower efficiency and shorter battery life.
To address this, the researchers used a two-dimensional material called tungsten diselenide (WSe₂). Normally, only the edges of this material are active. The flat surface, known as the basal plane, does not take part in reactions. This limits its catalytic performance.
The team applied an atomic-level approach to change this. They inserted platinum atoms into the material’s structure. They also removed some selenium atoms, creating tiny gaps known as vacancies.
These vacancies act as active sites. They attract oxygen molecules, making reactions easier.
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As a result, both the oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions became faster and more efficient. These reactions are key to battery performance.
A major advantage of this design is that it activates the entire surface of the material. The basal plane, which was earlier inactive, now contributes to the reaction. At the same time, the material keeps its electrical conductivity.
The battery performed well in tests. It remained stable for more than 550 charge-and-discharge cycles, even under fast-charging conditions. It also performed better than widely used catalysts such as platinum on carbon (Pt/C) and ruthenium oxide (RuO₂).
The battery maintained stability across a range of charging speeds, from slow to very fast. This shows it can handle rapid charging without losing efficiency or lifespan.
The findings were published in the journal Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports. The study also included collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the US.
Dr. Jeong Sohee said the research presents a new way to control materials at the atomic level. She said the team successfully used parts of the material that were previously inactive.
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Dr. Lee Kwang-hee said the study improves fast charge and discharge performance. He noted that this has been a major challenge for lithium-air batteries. He added that the research brings the technology closer to real-world use in high-power mobility systems.
The new catalyst design may also be useful in other energy applications. These include water splitting and fuel cells, where efficient catalysts are important.
The research team plans to focus on technology transfer and commercialization. Their aim is to strengthen lithium-air battery technology worldwide.
As the need for clean and efficient energy grows, such innovations may play an important role in the future of energy storage.
