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Researchers Developing Refillable Lithium Batteries

By Crystal Crowder
Shopping cart with lithium batteries.

Lithium batteries make life far more convenient, but their lifespan often means buying new devices. After all, why would I pay for a new battery for my old device when I could just upgrade to something new for a little more? Researchers are finally developing refillable lithium batteries for a more eco-friendly option.

Longer Lasting Batteries Led to Discovery

Researchers didn’t set out to learn how to refill lithium batteries. It was just a happy by-product of their original research – creating longer lasting batteries. Of course, I’m all for a battery that might outlast my device. But, getting to refill it and use it even longer? That’s a bonus. Researchers several years ago already developed a copolymer to help batteries last longer.

It all started by studying how and why lithium batteries deteriorate over time. As electrodes fragment after numerous recharging cycles, the lithium in the battery ends up isolated, dropping the battery’s capacity. Over time, the components have broken apart to the point they’re unusable in the existing battery.

That’s where battery recycling comes into play. Many components can be reused in new batteries, which does help drop the overall cost.

Scooter battery being changed.
Image source: Unsplash

The researchers started looking into materials that would hold more lithium, but the current manufacturing process requires the lithium to be in the material before the battery itself is manufactured.

The goal was to find a way to use different electrode materials that could be loaded with lithium after the battery manufacturing process. These electrodes couldn’t store the lithium properly before manufacturing, only after.

The Perfect Lithium Chemical

The researchers finally discovered the perfect chemical to meet all the necessary criteria for a stable battery – LiSO2CF3. They manufactured a lithium-free battery and then filled it using a solution of LiSO2CF3. After drawing off the gases expelled, they were able to seal it off and use it as normal.

The next logical step: see what happens when you use the chemical in an existing battery. They used a lithium-iron phosphate battery that had dropped its capacity by 15 percent. The result was incredible: a refillable lithium battery that jumped back to 99 percent.

Phone charging
Image source: Unsplash

Further tests kept the battery at 96-percent capacity after over 12,000 recharge cycles, though the researchers did have to refill it periodically.

Obviously, this is just the initial research into refillable lithium batteries. And, it’s mainly focused on larger, stationary batteries. However, this could change the future of lithium battery manufacturing, along with making it much easier to extend the life of the batteries.

How could this help beyond larger, industrial batteries? Instead buying a new battery for your electric vehicle, it could just be refilled, saving you hundreds or even thousands.

Plus, numerous devices that depend on lithium batteries could be used far longer, especially in devices where you can’t remove and replace the battery itself.

But all of that is something for the future. For now, you’ll just have to use some optimization tricks to keep your devices lasting longer. Try these methods to keep your iPhone’s battery lasting for years. For Android users, see why only charging to 80% keeps the battery healthy. You can even optimize your Windows laptop battery.

Image credit: Unsplash

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Crystal Crowder Avatar
Crystal Crowder
Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.

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