University of Tehran Researchers Find Solution to Improve Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries
The results of this study show that the use of materials like polyurethane binders and carbon fiber current collectors in LiFePO₄ electrodes of lithium-ion batteries can contribute to the energy storage capacity, cyclic stability, and overall efficiency of these batteries.
“In this study, PU and PVDF-HFP-g-PSSA binders were used as alternatives to traditional binders. Binders, as adhesives for electrode components, play an important role in mechanical strength and electrochemical efficiency. These binders provide smooth paths for lithium ion transport within the electrode by reducing the concentration polarization,” said Mojtaba Haqiqi Yazdi, the head of the research group.
“Also, with high flexibility and significant chemical and mechanical resistance, they can perform better than common binders against the degradation of the cathode structure and the separation of the electrode active materials from the surface of the current collectors due to the volume fluctuations of the electrodes, which mainly occur due to the repeated entry and exit of ions in the charge and discharge cycles,” he added.
Noting that in this study, the carbon fiber current collector has replaced traditional materials like aluminum and copper, Haqiqi Yazdi said, “This material plays an important role in reducing the weight of the battery and increasing its efficiency due to its lightness, corrosion resistance and high conductivity, and the possibility of storing energy due to the carbon structure. The simultaneous combination of these two innovations has significantly improved the electrochemical and mechanical performance of LiFePO₄ electrodes.”
“The experiments conducted in this study have shown that the use of PU and PVDF-HFP-g-PSSA binders and carbon fiber current collectors significantly improves the energy storage capacity and the number of charge and discharge cycles of the battery. This new combination also increases the battery's lifespan and improves its mechanical stability at the macro and micro scales,” he added.
In a relevant development in May, technologists at a company in Iran had acquired the know-how of manufacturing 18650 Li-ion batteries which according to them, can be used in electric cars, household appliances and other transport vehicles.
“Our company has been operating in the field of banking since 2015 and we have produced products in the fields of banking and information technology,” said Mahdieh Sabour, the director of the digital department of the Iranian technological company.
She said that their company started its operation in the banking field with the production of POS devices, adding, “The production of thermal paper rolls used in POS devices is one of the other products of our company.”
Sabour considered the production of 18650 Li-ion batteries as the latest product they produce in their company, adding, “These batteries are used for electric motors and electric cars and other electric equipment.”
The director further considered 18650 Li-ion batteries to be a type of cylindrical batteries that are designed and manufactured to provide high electrical power and maintain high current for long time under fluctuating and very repetitive charge and discharge conditions.
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