The Toyota lithium ion breakthrough is a welcome step forward. This is due to the strategic importance of power packs in electric vehicles. Its research method has caused more than a little interest. The methodology involves a new way of observing the transfer of lithium ions in the electrolyte during cycles.
We reported earlier how lithium transfer between anodes is less than 100% effective. This is due to some lithium ions remaining behind on the anode.
We observed how these gradually accumulate during successive recycles.
Finally, the battery reaches a point where it can no longer do its job since it cannot recharge.
Toyota’s Lithium Ion Breakthrough Spotlights Li-Ion Deviation
Battery aging due to lithium-ions becoming residues on graphite anodes continues to be a challenge. Toyota hopes observing the process in real time will ‘provide essential guidelines … to improve battery life.’ Its new method has two potentially powerful spin offs. We now have
- High-intensity X-rays ‘approximately 1 billion times more powerful than those generated by X-ray equipment’
- A new electrolyte enabling observation of ‘the deviation behavior of the li-ions which are bound to them in the electrolyte’
Toyota’s current focus is on runaway lithium ion meltdowns. ‘Our control system can identify even slight signs of a potential short-circuit in individual cells,’ says Hiroaki Takeuchi.
The Toyota engineer explains how this will prevent it from spreading. It could also shut down the entire battery.’ This is in itself a valuable contribution.
Future Plans for the Toyota Lithium Ion Breakthrough
Toyota believes the method will allow more intense observation of anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, and separators during lithium battery life cycles. We hope it succeeds in moving battery durability and performance forward. We expect interesting times will follow Toyota’s lithium ion breakthrough.
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