Scientists develop self-healing electrodes, which greatly ex

Scientists from Stanford University and the U.S. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in "Nature" magazine published papers, they developed the world's first self-healing electrodes, and its secret lies wrapped in an elastic polymer on the electrode, which can bind tiny cracks on the electrode, and self-healing, the technology for the development of next generation lithium created a new situation.

Stanford postdoctoral fellow, one of the main authors of the paper Chao said: "The self-healing function is extremely important for the survival of plants and animals, and we want to apply this function to the lithium battery to extend its life."

Chao Bao Zhenan research professor at Stanford University in the laboratory of this polymer, which has been dedicated to the research team led used in robotics, sensors and artificial limbs and other electronic products, skin elasticity, and it is a source of inspiration, Further, in order to allow the conductive polymer, to which was added Chao carbon nanoparticles.

Professor Martin said on a self-healing polymer coated silicon electrode in just a few hours can repair any cracks, the battery life will be extended to the original times.

Currently, the battery charge and discharge 100 times still remain essentially the same charge, which, Associate Professor Yi Cui said that the electrodes already have a practical value, although the distance 500 charge and discharge the phone and electric car charging and discharging of the 3000 target far, but it seems the date data will be successful.

In order to build a new high-performance batteries, researchers worldwide are seeking ways to make the negative electrode of lithium-ion batteries store more energy, while silicon is one of the most promising electrode material because it was in the high capacity of the battery when the battery is charging absorption of lithium ions in the battery and released.

Silicon electrode also fly in the ointment, when it expands to three times the battery charge, discharge is retracted to its original size, it can easily rupture, reduce battery performance. Another paper's lead author, former Stanford postdoctoral Wu Hui said the problem prevalent in high-capacity battery electrodes.

To develop self-healing materials, the researchers deliberately reduced the long chain polymer Some bond strength, so that they can be damaged when the adhesions up as isolated as recombinant DNA. The following video, the balloon is wrapped is self-healing materials, through continuous charge and discharge gas to simulate the battery charging and discharging process, the result is obvious, do not stretch the polymer rupture.

Cui Yi, a researcher from the laboratory and elsewhere tried several methods to maintain the integrity of the electrode and improve its performance, some for business, but most require rare materials or superior workmanship, it is difficult to promote.
The present study is used widely in the semiconductor and solar cell silicon particles, Cui Yi said that this is the preferred material practical road. The researchers also said that the method is also effective for other electrode materials will continue to improve in the future to improve the performance and life of the silicon electrode.