Iranian Scientists Improve Performance of Lithium Batteries with Turmeric Active Ingredient

Sousan Hamidi, a PhD student at the university, implemented a research project titled ‘Improving the performance of the solid electrode-electrolyte interphase layer using synthetic and natural additives’.

“In this project, we used methyl para-toluene sulfonate as a synthetic additive and curcumin (the antioxidant active ingredient of turmeric) as a natural additive in the structure of this layer, which, due to their special characteristics, wins in the competition with the electrolyte solvent in the formation of the interphase layer (SEI) and prevents the excess consumption of lithium ions, and leads to a decrease in charge transfer resistance and an increase in battery performance,” Hamidi said.

“This research can be widely used in electric vehicles, energy storage and electrical systems. Finally, it can also be used to improve the performance of the solid electrode-electrolyte interface in advanced batteries and, using synthetic and natural additives, provide solutions for indigenizing technologies and reducing dependence on imports,” she added.

Hamidi noted that in this project new materials and plant-based and environmentally friendly materials are used to increase the stability and efficiency of batteries, reduce production costs and improve the useful life of batteries.

“Our methodology in this research includes two computational and laboratory parts. For this purpose, first, the energy properties of the selected additives were examined and confirmed using Gaussian software, and then, in the laboratory stage, these additives were used in the formulation of lithium battery electrolyte to evaluate their performance in real conditions. In this way, the combination of computational and experimental results led to improved performance of the solid electrode-electrolyte interfacial layer,” he added.

In a relevant development in May, an Iranian knowledge-based company had also managed to indigenize one of the most vital components of lithium batteries, electrolyte, used in electric cars.

“We are active in the field of electrolyte production for lithium batteries in our company. These types of batteries have 4 main components, one of the most sensitive of which is electrolyte,” said Mohammad Pakniyyat, a researcher at a knowledge-based company.

Noting that electrolyte is very precise and advanced in terms of formulation, he explained that it should create an electronic conduction process, does not create high resistance, and its operation does not lead to heating of the battery.

“We have a contract with the Advanced Materials Headquarters of the Iranian Vice-Presidency for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy to launch electrolyte production on a semi-industrial scale by the end of this year to evaluate the production process, because the production process in electrolyte is highly important and sensitive,” Pakniyyat said.

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