According to GNE, this new battery not only significantly exceeds the energy density of existing lithium-ion batteries, but also provides a significant improvement in both range and safety.
Chinese company General New Energy (GNE) recently announced a major breakthrough in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery technology, presenting a prototype with an energy density of 700 W* h/kg PV Magazine writes about it.
According to GNE, this new battery not only significantly exceeds existing lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density, but also provides a significant improvement in both range and safety.
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Lithium-sulfur batteries, in which sulfur is used as a cathode, and as an anode — metallic lithium, represent a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Theoretically, Li-S batteries can achieve energy densities of up to 2600 Wh/kg, which is five times higher than their lithium-ion counterparts . In addition, sulfur is widely available, inexpensive and environmentally friendly, giving Li-S batteries a cost and durability advantage.
However, Li-S batteries face significant technical challenges. The low electrical conductivity of sulfur hinders high battery performance, while the “shuttle effect” of lithium polysulfides dissolved in the electrolyte leads to an increase in the viscosity of the electrolyte, a decrease in ionic conductivity and an accelerated decrease in capacity.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000In addition, the significant difference in density between sulfur and lithium sulfide causes volume shrinkage during charge-discharge cycles, compromising structural stability.
The GNE research group, led by Dr. Jiujun Zhang, a member of several academies, including the Royal Society of Sciences of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), the Engineering Institute of Canada and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, is at the forefront of overcoming these obstacles. Through more than a decade of hard work, Zhang and his team have made many breakthroughs in Li-S battery technology.
Using innovative designs and materials, they successfully solved many key technical problems. For example, the team improved sulfur conductivity and ion transport by using nanomaterial coatings and electrolyte additives, effectively mitigating the shuttle effect.
They also developed new electrolyte materials that improve both battery life and safety These innovations laid a solid foundation for the commercialization of Li-S batteries.
Established in 2022, GNE specializes in the development of efficient and environmentally friendly energy storage solutions. The company's scientific research group is headed by Dr. Zhang and includes scientists from the USA and Japan. GNE has received several patents related to Li-S battery technology, covering materials such as cathodes, anodes, separators and electrolytes.
The company also operates an advanced production line for Li-S batteries and auxiliary materials, providing full control over the entire production process from R&D to production. GNE has also established a testing team to ensure the quality and performance of its products.