Chinese researchers develop 'precision treatment' to help lithium

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(Global Times) 15:39, February 13, 2025

This innovative technique has the potential to significantly enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries and reduce waste, which is essential for electric vehicles (EVs), smartphones, and large-scale energy storage infrastructure, according to the researchers.

The team leveraged artificial intelligence and organic electrochemistry to develop a lithium carrier molecule that can be injected into degraded batteries to replenish lost lithium ions, effectively providing a "precision treatment" to help batteries regain a near factory-fresh "healthy" status, Gao Yue, a member of the research team, was quoted by the CMG report as saying.

The researchers expect that the technology could extend lithium-ion battery lifespan from the current cycles of between 500 and 2,000 to an unprecedented level of between 12,000 and 60,000 cycles, according to a report on Fudan University's website.

This is an "unparalleled" achievement by Chinese scientists, said Gao, adding that it is expected to pave the way for high-performance, cost-effective lithium batteries, addressing the problem of insufficient battery lifespan in EVs, consumer electronics, and large-scale energy storage.

This technology has been tested on a variety of batteries and the team is collaborating with leading international battery companies, aiming to accelerate the adoption of the technology in real life, Gao noted.

China plays a crucial role in lithium extracting technology and high-end lithium battery production. The latest official data showed that China's lithium-ion battery industry achieved robust growth between January and October 2024, with national battery production hitting 890 gigawatt-hours, up 16 percent year-on-year.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)