South Korea develops a 3D observation model for single particles of battery electrode active materials to improve battery energy efficiency

According to foreign media reports, by analyzing and studying micron-sized particles in batteries, researchers have developed a 3D observation model for micron-sized particles in batteries, which is expected to help improve the energy efficiency of batteries. Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea announced that Professor Yong Min Lee's team from the Department of Energy Science & Engineering has developed a "micron single particle electrochemical model" that can estimate the electrochemical properties of single particles of electrode active materials from a three-dimensional perspective. In experiments, it is difficult to observe single particles of electrode active materials in three dimensions, and the researchers' model is expected to be applied to the study of electrochemical phenomena and particle design to improve battery efficiency.

(Photo credit: Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea)

Although secondary batteries (rechargeable batteries) are often the energy source for electric vehicles , they are not as efficient as internal combustion engines. While it is possible to improve the efficiency of batteries by increasing their energy density, such research and development has not been actively carried out due to the lack of precise analytical techniques.

Professor Lee's team hypothesized that the energy density of batteries could be improved by optimizing the electrode active materials in the battery. Therefore, they found a method to detect single micron-sized particles of electrode active materials and developed an electrochemical model that can perform three-dimensional analysis of single particles.

Unlike existing models that focus on analyzing battery electrodes, the model developed by Professor Yong Min Lee's team focuses on single particles of active materials that form electrodes. The model they developed can accurately analyze the properties and characteristics of 3D single particles, taking a step towards fundamentally improving battery efficiency. Since it is now possible to analyze particles in 3D, the model is particularly expected to be widely used in research on the design of single particles of active materials for battery electrodes.

Professor Yong Min Lee said of the study: "Compared to previous studies, our model can understand the details within a single particle. Ultimately, it can provide an innovative way to design microparticles. Our next goal is to apply this electrochemical model to improve the efficiency of electric vehicle batteries."