Salt baths boost next-gen batteries for electric cars

摘要

The next generation of rechargeable lithium batteries set to disrupt the electric vehicle industry may soon be here, thanks to the humble salt bath. cSIRo scientists, in collaboration with RmIT University and Queensland University of Technology (QUT), have demonstrated pre-treating a battery’s lithium metal electrodes with an electrolyte salt solution extends battery life, and increases performance and safety. The method is set to accelerate the development of next-generation energy storage solutions and overcome the issue of ‘battery range anxiety’ that is currently a barrier in the electric car industry. In fact, the technology has the potential to improve electric vehicle drive range and battery charge to a point where electric vehicles will soon be competitive with traditional petrol vehicles.