Researchers have developed a new molecularly engineered electrolyte with organized electronic channels, enabling lithium-metal batteries to be fully charged in just 15 minutes while simultaneously addressing key safety and charging speed challenges.

Advantages of Lithium-Metal Batteries

Lithium-metal batteries can store significantly more energy and operate under harsher conditions compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries used in most modern electronic devices. However, their commercial use has been limited due to slow and inefficient transfer of electrons and ions across the interface between the battery’s structural components and the electrolyte—a process known as charge transfer. Slowing of this process leads to unwanted chemical reactions and the formation of dendrites—dangerous metallic deposits that degrade battery performance and can cause sudden fires or explosions during rapid charging.

A New Molecular-Level Solution

To overcome these limitations, a team of researchers, primarily from the University of Science and Technology of China, modified the battery electrolyte at the molecular level. They restructured the solvent molecules in the liquid, which accelerated charge transfer. Instead of the standard configuration, the molecules were organized to form flat, highly ordered electronic channels, referred to as planar-aligned electronic channels. This structure provides a stronger and more efficient connection between moving electrons and lithium ions, significantly speeding up key chemical reactions and eliminating the conditions that lead to dangerous dendrite formation.

Test Results

In industrial lithium-metal batteries, the new electrolyte demonstrated high efficiency. The use of flat electronic channels allowed batteries to safely and reliably reach a full charge in just 15 minutes at a charging power density of 1,747.6 W/kg.

Application Prospects

This research lays a solid foundation for overcoming complex electrochemical barriers that currently hinder the emergence of next-generation high-capacity batteries on the market. If this technology is commercialized, it could lead to electric vehicles with longer driving ranges and much faster charging times.