![](https://www.teknovation.biz/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ORNL-Leaf-2020.jpg)
ORNL team discovers compound that could lead to faster-charging lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are showing up in more and more products, including most notably in electric cars. But they take a while to charge in large part because of the materials that make the batteries. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) discovered a key material that could be the solution to this problem, speeding up charge times faster than ever before.
As the lab explains in a release, graphite used in most lithium-ion batteries is subject to buildup from the electrolyte solution used to help power the battery. That buildup slows down the movement of lithium ions, limiting battery stability and performance.
![](https://www.teknovation.biz/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ornl-lithium-290x181.jpg)
“Because of this sluggish lithium-ion movement, graphite anodes are seen as a roadblock to extreme fast charging. We are looking for new, low-cost materials that can outperform graphite,” said ORNL postdoctoral researcher and first author Runming Tao. DOE’s extreme fast-charging goal for electric vehicles is set at 15 minutes or less to compete with refuel times on gas-powered vehicles, a milestone that has not been met with graphite.
But the material researchers discovered may just crack that code.
They found a “novel compound” of molybdenum-tungsten-niobate, or MWNO. It can recharge quickly and efficiently and has the possibility to replace graphite in lithium-ion batteries.
“The key to the material’s success is a nanoporous structure that provides enhanced electrical conductivity. The result offers less resistance to the movement of lithium ions and electrons, enabling fast recharging,” ORNL said in a release.
If continued research proves successful, this could be a game changer for electric vehicles and other technology that depends on lithium-ion batteries.
The work was supported by the DOE Office of Science and used resources of the Spallation Neutron Source, a DOE Office of Science user facility at ORNL.
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!