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Innovative Approaches to Battery Longevity and Rejuvenation

Recent research has introduced some unconventional materials in the development of battery electrodes, featuring chromium oxide (Cr8O21) and a sulfurized polyacrylonitrile organic polymer. These materials offer substantial advantages in weight compared to conventional battery materials; however, the longevity of the batteries remains a concern, as they typically endure fewer than 500 cycles before their capacity diminishes to 80 percent.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of this study involved the use of LiSO2CF3, which was utilized to revive lithium-iron phosphate batteries that had experienced significant capacity loss due to extensive usage. In a remarkable outcome, a battery that had lost 15 percent of its capacity nearly regained its entire charge, maintaining over 99 percent of its original performance. The researchers tested the rejuvenation process over repeated cycles, demonstrating that even after approaching 12,000 cycles, the battery could be effectively restored to approximately 96 percent of its initial capacity.

Nevertheless, it’s essential to exercise caution regarding the properties of lithium-iron phosphate cells. Although relatively heavy for their charge capacity, they are commonly found in large, stationary batteries, such as those used for grid-scale energy storage. These cells possess their own longevity, with the potential to achieve upwards of 8,000 cycles before degrading to 80 percent of their initial charge if managed appropriately. An important question arises concerning whether rejuvenation processes apply similarly to other battery chemistries more commonly found in consumer electronics.

Another critical consideration is that the battery must undergo modifications to facilitate the introduction of fresh electrolytes and the removal of gases generated from the breakdown of LiSO2CF3. Ideally, such access should be integrated into the battery design from the outset to ensure safety and efficiency, rather than retrofitted post-manufacture. Implementing piping systems for this purpose could also potentially reduce the battery’s capacity per volume.

Despite these challenges, the rejuvenation technique showcased in this study has the potential to significantly restore capacity, even for batteries that have been well-managed over time. This development could greatly enhance the value derived from battery production costs, particularly for large-scale storage facilities where multiple batteries could be rejuvenated simultaneously.

For further details, see the study published in Nature in 2025. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08465-y.

Source
arstechnica.com