Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have developed a solution to a problem that has been setting back commercialization of a new kind of batteries. Lithium-metal batteries can take up to 10 times more charge than conventional lithium-ion batteries, but have not yet been commercialized due to the fact that lithium is deposited unevenly on the electrodes while charging and discharging. This buildup cuts the lives of these batteries too short to make them viable, and more importantly can cause the batteries to short-circuit and catch fire.

The team has delivered a potential solution to this problem in the form of a graphene-oxide-coated ‘nanosheet’ that, when placed in between the two electrodes of a lithium-metal battery, prevents uneven plating of lithium and allows the battery to safely function for hundreds of charge–discharge cycles.

“Our findings demonstrate that two-dimensional materials—in this case, graphene oxide—can help regulate lithium deposition in such a way that extends the life of lithium-metal batteries,” said Reza Shahbazian-Yassar, associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering in the UIC College of Engineering.

In lithium-ion batteries, a separator, usually made of a porous polymer or glass ceramic fibers, is placed in the electrolyte. The separator allows lithium ions to flow through while keeping the other components blocked, which prevents electrical shorts that can lead to fires.

The team used a modified separator in a lithium-metal battery to modulate the flow of lithium ions and control the rate of lithium deposition, with the aim of preventing dendrites from forming. They spray-coated a fiberglass separator with graphene oxide, producing a nanosheet.