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Samsung SDI and Columbia Unveil Gel Electrolyte That Extends Lithium-Metal Battery Life

Peer-reviewed results in Joule position the chemistry as a step toward safer, higher-energy cells.

Overview

  • The joint team reports a fluorine-based gel polymer electrolyte that forms a stable protective layer on lithium-metal anodes and suppresses dendrite growth.
  • The formulation improves rechargeability and thermal stability, tackling the short cycle life that has limited lithium-metal commercialization.
  • Lithium-metal cells offer about 1.6× the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries, pointing to potential use in advanced wearables and compact high-performance devices.
  • The findings were published in Joule in a paper co-authored by Samsung SDI researchers and Columbia University professor Yuan Yang.
  • Samsung SDI called the publication academic validation and said next-generation battery R&D will accelerate, while no product or launch timeline was announced.