‘Self-Healing’ Battery Developed by US Scientists

US scientists claim that they have successfully used a stretchy polymer coating for a battery electrode that allows the electrode to ‘heal’ itself in the event of cracks appearing, according to Laboratory Talk.

The team of scientists from Stanford University and the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory say that the self-healing lithium ion battery may be appropriate for use in mobile phones and electric cars.

The researchers found that, when the self-healing polymer coating was used, silicon electrodes lasted ten times longer. Also, only a few hours were required for the polymer to repair cracks.

This polymer was originally the creation of researchers developing flexible electronic skin. The applications of such skin include sensors, robots and prosthetic limbs.

The researchers working on the battery also needed to guarantee that it could conduct electricity. Subsequently, carbon nanoparticles were added to the coating of polymer.

The capacity for energy storage of these batteries is now considered ‘practical’. The researchers are adamant that they would like to increase this capacity.

The team are now exploring ways of making the material viable in a commercial sense. They are also focused on enhancing its performance and endurance.