Scientists in Novosibirsk have developed materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries that enhance their resistance to temperature fluctuations and low temperatures. This was reported by the official publication of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, "Science in Siberia."

"We are currently conducting research down to -20 degrees Celsius, but we plan to go even lower. We initiated this project six months ago and are progressively testing the materials at lower temperatures," said Anna Vorfolomeeva, a researcher at the A.V. Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry.

Despite the popularity of lithium-ion batteries, their production faces a significant drawback due to the high cost of lithium. Sodium-ion batteries can be produced more cost-effectively, and both types of batteries operate on similar principles. The cathode materials consist of lithium and sodium-based compounds, including lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese spinel, and lithium iron phosphate. The anode material is typically graphite, which exhibits high compatibility with lithium, allowing lithium ions to easily intercalate between the layers. However, graphite is not suitable for sodium-ion batteries, prompting researchers to develop new anode materials.

Vorfolomeeva noted that the specialists aimed to identify a material effective for both lithium and sodium-ion batteries. Molybdenum disulfide demonstrated the greatest potential, achieving a capacity of 1,000 milliampere-hours in lithium-ion batteries and 400 milliampere-hours in sodium-ion batteries. The researchers devised a synthesis method that involves rapid heating of the substance to a predetermined temperature, resulting in materials with increased interlayer spacing, thus enabling ion intercalation.

Currently, the scientists are exploring the creation of a metal-carbon composite with conductive properties and stability as electrode materials. They are also investigating the possibility of introducing defects, such as vacancies (the absence of an atom in the crystal lattice) or incorporating atoms different from molybdenum and sulphur. This could enhance both electronic conductivity and capacity.

The researchers initially test the new material at room temperature, then gradually lower the temperature to -20 degrees Celsius. During the experiments, they varied the electrolyte compositions, which allowed them to maintain high capacity levels in both lithium and sodium-ion batteries. The capacity remained at 80% for lithium-ion batteries and 60% for sodium-ion batteries as the temperature ranged from 25 to -20 degrees Celsius, with stable battery performance. In the future, the developers intend to test the materials at even lower temperatures.

Source: Science in Siberia.

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