Long-Life EV Batteries with Conductive Polymer Coating

The problem with EV batteries is that they are short-lived and have potential compared to other resources.

But the researchers of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory synthesized a conductive polymer covering known as HOS-PFM that may enhance the power and long life of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

Moreover, the Berkeley Lab’s Energy Technologies Unit states that this polymer coating will enable new and easier manufacturing of EV batteries at an economical price.

This synthesized polymer simultaneously conducts ions and electrons, prolonging lithium-ion battery life from 10 to 15 years and ensuring high discharge rates for the battery.

The research team experimented by coating aluminium and silicon electrodes with HOS-PFM polymer in a lithium-ion battery setup to test polymer conductive and adhesive properties. The reason for selecting aluminium and silicon electrode material is its lightweight and high energy storage capacity.

The results were impressive as the battery delivers 300 cycles, whereas the silicon-based lithium-ion battery cells last only for limited cycles and have a short lifespan.

Therefore, the HOS-PFM coating might enable the use of electrodes in lithium-ion batteries with up to 80% silicon content which will boost its energy density by at least 30%.

Additionally, silicon is less expensive than graphite, making it the standard and cost-effective electrode material for EV manufacturing industries.

The team plans to collaborate with businesses to scale up HOS-PFM for mass production.