Swansea University researchers have created a novel process for producing large-scale graphene current collectors in collaboration with Wuhan University of Technology and Shenzhen University.
The safety and performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) could be greatly improved by this innovation, which would solve a major problem in energy storage technology.
The study, which was published in Nature Chemical Engineering, describes the first effective process for producing commercially viable graphene foils free of defects. With a thermal conductivity of up to 1,400.8 W m–1 K–1, these foils are nearly 10 times more efficient at transferring heat than the conventional copper and aluminum current collectors used in LIBs.
“This is a major advancement in battery technology,” Swansea University co-lead author Dr. Rui Tan remarked. “With the help of our technique, graphene current collectors can be produced at a quantity and quality that are easily incorporated into the production of commercial batteries.” By effectively controlling heat, this not only increases battery longevity and energy density but also improves battery safety.
Handling Thermal Overflow in LIBs
Dr. Jinlong Yang, co-lead author from Shenzhen University, stated, “Our dense, aligned graphene structure provides a robust barrier against the formation of flammable gases and prevents oxygen from permeating the battery cells, which is crucial for avoiding catastrophic failures.”
Scalability and Possible Uses
The recently created method is scalable and able to produce graphene foils in lengths from meters to kilometers, not simply a lab experiment. The scientists created a 200-meter-long, 17-micrometer-thick graphene foil as a noteworthy example of its potential. This foil is perfect for use in flexible electronics and other cutting-edge applications since it maintained its strong electrical conductivity even after being twisted more than 100,000 times.
This new method also makes it possible to produce graphene foils in a range of thicknesses, which could result in batteries that are even safer and more efficient.
This discovery may have significant effects on energy storage in the future, especially in electric cars and renewable energy systems where efficiency and safety are critical. Under the direction of Professors Liqiang Mai and Daping He of Wuhan University of Technology, Dr. Jinlong Yang of Shenzhen University, and Dr. Rui Tan of Swansea University, this multinational collaborative research team is working to improve their methodology. They are also investigating this new material beyond Li-ion batteries, such as redox flow batteries and sodium-ion batteries, with support from Professor Serena Margodonna’s group at Swansea University.
Reference: Lun Li, Jinlong Yang, Rui Tan, Wei Shu, CheeTong John Low, Zixin Zhang, Yu Zhao, Cheng Li, Yajun Zhang, Xingchuan Li, Huazhang Zhang, Xin Zhao, Zongkui Kou, Yong Xiao, Francis Verpoort, Hewu Wang, Liqiang Mai, and Daping He, “Large-scale current collectors for regulating heat transfer and enhancing battery safety,” Nature Chemical Engineering, August 5, 2024.
