Lithium-ion batteries are now widely used in mobile devices, but they don't last long, losing about a fifth of their capacity after 500 charge cycles. Scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) used a powerful microscope to observe the charge and discharge of lithium batteries in real time.
The researchers found that when the battery is used, it creates stress and causes the electrode to break. In addition, each cycle leaves traces of lithium beyond the electrode, which can no longer be used for future charging and can lead to a decline in battery capacity. The researchers also observed the formation of alternating layers of solid electrolytes on the electrode surface, which "clogs" the battery and affects its ability to charge.
One way to solve these problems with lithium-ion batteries is to use alternative elements. In the future, metallic elements such as magnesium, aluminum or copper could be cheaper and more stable alternatives, but these batteries don't yet perform at the level of lithium batteries.
