The problem: The microscopic particles within lithium-ion batteries that hold critical minerals ultimately determine a device's energy capacity, charging speed and overall lifespan. Over time and with repeated use, chemical reactions cause cracks to form on the surface of these particles, which interferes with the current flow, degrades battery performance and leaves valuable minerals trapped inside electronic waste.
The solution: To combat battery degradation, a team led by Reeja Jayan, a mechanical engineering professor at Carnegie Mellon University, developed a low-cost, activated nano-polymer layer that protects battery materials. This coating effectively seals surface cracks and maintains electrical current flow.
This breakthrough is being commercialized through Jayan’s spin-off company, SeaLion Energy, supported by a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E).
The impact: This innovation extends battery life cycles by up to 10 times. This extended lifespan means its use in existing batteries can cut down on electronic waste and the need to mine for new minerals. The coating is compatible with different battery chemistries, making it useful for a range of applications including grid storage, data centers, robotics and other speciality electronics.
Go deeper: Extending Battery Life, Improving Operating Safety