Technologies Available for License

2018-018: Device and Method for Fast Charge of Batteries

Invention: 2018-018

Patent Status: Application Number US 2021/0280852 A1 was published on September 9, 2021

For technical and licensing related questions, email tcp@bnl.gov.

Summary

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Schematic representation of (al Li-plating on graphite surface during fast charging rates and (b) preferential intercalation into graphite due to increased overpotential for Li metal deposition afforded by a Cu or Ni surface coating.

Currently produced electric vehicles (EVs) rely on the use of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology due to its high energy and power density. However, a major barrier facing the adoption of electric vehicles is that currently utilized Li-ion batteries take significantly longer to recharge compared to the time necessary to refuel vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. Thus. the need to develop Li-ion batteries which can be charged quickly (e.g., in approximately 10 minutes) without sacrificing range, cost or cycle life is critical for the widespread implementation of EVs. BNL and Stony Brook University researchers have been developing a method for fabricating a surface treated graphite electrode that will enable extreme fast charging by changing the overpotential for lithium deposition.

Description

The device and method include graphite electrodes coated with 2-10 nm thick layers of Cu and/or Ni metal or other suitable metal to increase the overpotential or Li metal nucleation at the electrode surface thus inhibiting Li metal plating during extreme fast charging.

Journal Publication & Intellectual Property

• US 2021/0280852 A1 (.pdf)