About Topic In Short: | |
 | Who: Researchers from POSTECH, Gyeongsang National University, and the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) developed this technology, |
What: They created a molecularly engineered separator for lithium metal batteries to significantly improve lifespan, safety, and energy density, This enhanced battery technology can store about 1.5 times more energy than current lithium-ion batteries, | |
How: The separator, a single functional membrane, stabilizes both the anode and cathode simultaneously by chemically grafting fluorine (F) and oxygen (O) functional groups onto a conventional membrane,,,. This design prevents sharp, tree-like dendrites from forming on the anode and suppresses harmful hydrofluoric acid formation at the cathode, | |
Pushing Past the Limits of Lithium-Ion Technology
The global push toward sustainable transportation and large-scale energy storage has amplified interest in next-generation battery chemistries. Conventional lithium-ion batteries, which currently power electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems, are nearing their theoretical energy limits. In contrast, lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) offer a dramatic improvement, capable of storing about 1.5 times more energy within the same volume compared to traditional cells. This potential energy density leap could extend an EV’s driving range from approximately 400 km to around 700 km per charge.
However, the practical adoption of LMBs has been limited by serious safety concerns. During charging, lithium ions deposit unevenly on the anode, creating sharp, tree-like structures known as dendrites. These needle-like growths can pierce the separator between the electrodes, leading to internal short circuits, fires, or explosions.
The Dual-Action Molecularly Engineered Separator (MFS)
A joint research team, including scientists from POSTECH, Gyeongsang National University, and the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), addressed these critical safety issues by developing an ultra-thin, engineered separator. This innovative material, described metaphorically as an "ultra-thin bulletproof vest," stabilizes both the anode and cathode simultaneously.
The researchers engineered the separator at the molecular level by chemically grafting fluorine (F) and oxygen (O) functional groups onto a standard polyolefin membrane. These functional groups regulate interfacial reactions between the electrodes and the electrolyte.
The dual-action protection works as follows:
- Anode Stabilization: The chemical design promotes the formation of a uniform layer of lithium fluoride (LiF) on the anode surface, which effectively suppresses the growth of hazardous dendrites.
- Cathode Stabilization: Simultaneously, the design prevents the formation of harmful hydrofluoric acid (HF) at the cathode side, thereby preserving the structural integrity of the cathode.
This single functional membrane acts as a dual protective layer, stabilizing both electrodes within the battery simultaneously.
Demonstrating Superior Durability and Energy Density
The newly developed batteries were tested under challenging, realistic operating conditions, including high temperature (55 °C), low electrolyte content, and the use of a thin lithium anode. Even under these strenuous conditions, the cells maintained 80% of their initial capacity after 208 charge and discharge cycles.
In pouch-type full cells, the technology achieved exceptional energy densities of 385.1 Wh kg⁻¹ and 1135.6 Wh L⁻¹. These figures are approximately 1.5 to 1.7 times higher than those of current commercial lithium-ion batteries, which typically offer 250 Wh kg⁻¹ and 650 Wh L⁻¹.
Crucially, this molecular-level design stabilizes both electrodes while remaining compatible with existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes. Furthermore, computational analyses, including density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, were used to clarify the atomic-scale influence of the functional groups on electronic structures and interfacial reactions.
Thus Speak Authors/Experts
Professor Soojin Park of POSTECH: “This study demonstrates an innovative approach that stabilizes both electrodes of lithium-metal batteries through molecular-level design. It improves lifespan, safety, and energy density while remaining compatible with existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes”.
Professor Tae Kyung Lee of Gyeongsang National University: “Using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we identified how functional groups in the separator influence electronic structures and interfacial reactions at the atomic scale”.
Dr. Gyujin Song of the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER): “This technology offers high durability and safety suitable for large-scale energy storage systems (ESS) and represents a major step toward the commercialization of eco-friendly, high-energy batteries”.
Conclusion
This technological advancement—a molecularly engineered single functional membrane—significantly improves the lifespan, safety, and energy density of lithium metal batteries. By stabilizing both the anode and cathode simultaneously, this breakthrough offers the high durability necessary for widespread adoption in electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems. The development represents a major and significant step toward commercializing high-energy, eco-friendly battery technology.
Hashtag/Keyword/Labels List
#LithiumMetalBattery #EVTechnology #BatterySafety #EnergyDensity #MolecularEngineering #POSTECH #KIER #PolyolefinSeparator #DendriteSuppression #SustainableEnergy
References/Resources List
- https://www.electronicsforu.com/news/batteries-that-last-longer-and-charge-safer
- https://techxplore.com/news/2025-12-molecular-membrane-lithium-batteries-safer.html
- https://www.newsbreak.com/science-x-336891127/4374943383729-single-molecular-membrane-can-make-lithium-batteries-safer-and-longer-lasting
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