Researchers at Swansea University, in collaboration with Wuhan University of Technology and Shenzhen University, have developed a groundbreaking technique for producing large-scale graphene current collectors that could revolutionize lithium-ion battery technology. This innovation, detailed in a study published in Nature Chemical Engineering, addresses a critical challenge in energy storage by significantly enhancing battery safety and performance.
The defect-free graphene foils fabricated using this method offer exceptional thermal conductivity, nearly ten times higher than traditional copper and aluminum current collectors, making them ideal for managing heat in batteries and preventing thermal runaway scenarios. The researchers have successfully produced graphene foils in lengths ranging from meters to kilometers, with customizable thicknesses that could lead to even more efficient and safer batteries.
Led by Prof. Liqiang Mai, Prof. Daping He, Dr. Jinlong Yang, and Dr. Rui Tan, this international research team is exploring the potential applications of this new material beyond lithium-ion batteries. The scalable nature of this process, along with the mechanical properties and high electrical conductivity of the graphene foils, makes them suitable for use in flexible electronics and other advanced technologies.
This innovative graphene technology has the potential to have a wide-reaching impact on the future of energy storage, particularly in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, where safety and efficiency are crucial. The researchers are continuing to refine their process and explore new applications for this material, such as in redox flow batteries and sodium-ion batteries.
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