thermal runaway<\/a>.<\/p>\nThis dangerous scenario occurs when excessive heat leads to battery failure, often resulting in fires or explosions.<\/p>\n
Traditional current collectors made of copper or aluminium struggle to dissipate heat effectively, making them vulnerable to this catastrophic failure mode.<\/p>\n
The new graphene current collectors offer a robust solution to this problem. Their dense, aligned graphene structure not only dissipates heat more efficiently but also acts as a barrier against the formation of flammable gases and the permeation of oxygen into the battery cells.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur 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,\u201d explained Dr Jinlong Yang, co-lead author from Shenzhen University.<\/p>\n
Scalable and flexible production<\/h3>\n The researchers have demonstrated that their process is not just a laboratory success but a scalable solution capable of producing graphene foils in lengths ranging from metres to kilometres.<\/p>\n
In a significant demonstration of its potential, the team produced a 200-metre-long graphene foil with a thickness of just 17 micrometres.<\/p>\n
This foil retained its high electrical conductivity even after being bent over 100,000 times, showcasing its potential for use in flexible electronics and other advanced applications.<\/p>\n
Moreover, this new approach allows for the production of graphene foils with customisable thicknesses.<\/p>\n
This flexibility could lead to even more efficient and safer batteries, as the material properties can be tailored to specific applications.<\/p>\n
The researchers are continuing to refine their process, with ongoing efforts to reduce the thickness of the graphene foils and further enhance their mechanical properties.<\/p>\n
Importance of improving lithium battery safety and performance<\/h3>\n The development of safer and more efficient lithium-ion batteries is crucial as the world shifts towards renewable energy and electric transportation.<\/p>\n
The performance and safety of these batteries are paramount, especially in electric vehicles, where battery failures can have devastating consequences.<\/p>\n
Enhancing lithium battery safety is not just about preventing catastrophic failures like thermal runaway; it\u2019s also about improving the overall reliability and longevity of the batteries.<\/p>\n
By integrating graphene current collectors into commercial battery manufacturing, the potential for safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting batteries becomes a reality.<\/p>\n
Future implications and ongoing research<\/h3>\n The implications of this research extend far beyond lithium-ion batteries. The international collaborative team is exploring the application of this new material in other types of batteries, such as redox flow batteries and sodium-ion batteries.<\/p>\n
As the demand for safer and more efficient energy storage solutions grows, innovations like these graphene current collectors will play a critical role in shaping the future of energy technology.<\/p>\n
The continued research and development in this field promise to bring even more advanced and safer batteries to the market, addressing the global need for reliable and sustainable energy storage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Researchers at Swansea University have made a significant breakthrough in graphene technology that enhances lithium battery safety.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":50697,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24204],"tags":[24203,24250],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Swansea University graphene tech enhances lithium battery safety<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n