Fast-Charging Lithium-Sulfur Battery for eVTOLs Approaches Production Stage

Researchers at Monash University in Australia are nearing a breakthrough in addressing one of the major challenges faced by eVTOL aircraft. Their new lithium-sulfur battery technology aims to provide about twice the energy density of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, along with rapid charging and discharging capabilities, offering the power needed for aerial transportation.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have shown potential for high-density energy storage, but they’ve been hindered by slow charging and discharging speeds. Researchers at Monash University discovered that using a polyvinylpyrrolidone complex—a compound with unique properties that differ from its individual components—can help speed up the chemical reactions within the battery.

This innovation results in faster charging and higher energy densities, as highlighted in a paper published in Advanced Energy Materials. The researchers state that the new batteries are not only quicker and more energy-dense but also considerably lighter and more cost-effective to produce.

Advancement in Battery Technology Enables Large-Scale Manufacturing Potential

“With discoveries based on readily available materials, we now have the potential to move toward large-scale manufacturing,” said Professor Mainak Majumder. This points to a key finding made during the development of the faster battery. PhD candidate Maleesha Nishshanke explained, “Drawing inspiration from the chemistry of betadine, a common household antiseptic, we discovered a way to speed up the charge and discharge rates.”

Interestingly, while lithium-ion batteries have been widely used in everything from cars to smartwatches since their invention in 1980, lithium-sulfur batteries were first developed nearly two decades earlier. However, due to issues with their internal chemistry, they have not been widely adopted.

Challenges with Li-S Batteries

Li-S batteries, using sulfur as a cathode and lithium as an anode, struggle with uneven lithium re-deposition during charging, leading to degraded anodes and electrolytes, fewer charge cycles, and increased risk of short circuits or fires.

Monash University’s recent breakthrough could help overcome these challenges, making Li-S batteries suitable for drones and eVTOLs. The researchers have improved battery performance, and with commercial scaling, these batteries could reach up to 400 Wh/kg, ideal for aviation applications that require high discharge rates during takeoff and low rates while cruising.

A Major Step Ahead of Conventional Li-Ion Technology

Li-S batteries offer a major advantage over conventional Li-ion batteries, which have an energy density of 150-235 Wh/kg. A recent ProLogium EV battery with a silicon composite anode reached 321 Wh/kg but isn’t yet in production.

Quick discharge is essential for eVTOL aircraft, with high power needed for takeoff and landing. This has led Lilium to secure exclusive rights to Ionbox’s silicon-dominant anode technology.

Li-S batteries also reduce reliance on rare resources like cobalt, using abundant sulfur instead.

Monash University has launched Ghove Energy to bring this technology to market. Meanwhile, CATL’s condensed batteries, with 500 Wh/kg energy density, are being tested in planes and could soon power larger aircraft and private jets for flights up to 1,865 miles, setting a high bar for Li-S batteries.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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