South Korea develops new technology for making safe rechargeable lithium batteries
While some researchers are focused on making batteries that are both safer and longer-lasting, it seems like the folks at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (or KAERI) are simply concerned with making ‘em really, really safe. To that end, they’ve now announced that they’ve managed to develop a new type of “separator” that is said to be far more resistant to heat and impact than traditional polyethylene separators. Made from a mix of polyethylene, nano-alumina and flourine-based resin that has been subjected to radiation, the new separator can supposedly hold up to temperatures of 150 degrees Celsius and “considerable outside impact,” and it can apparently be applied to all sorts of lithium-ion batteries — including everything from phones to laptops to electric cars. Of course, there’s no word as to when we might actually see the new and improved batteries, but KAERI has apparently already applied for the necessary patents for the new technique.
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute engineers have come up with the technology for a new “separator” that is resistant to external heat and impact. High temperatures and weakness to impact have been cited for causing fires and explosions in battery cells in the past. KAERI said the new separator, made by mixing polyethylene, nano-alumina and flourine-based resin and subjecting this compound to radiation, has effectively overcome weaknesses of existing batteries. Tests showed that the new separator maintains its ability to act as an electric insulator even if subject to heat of 150 degrees Celsius and considerable outside impact.
