A key to wider adoption and greater efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs) is speedy battery charging. High-capacity silicon and lithium batteries offer this capability, but their capacities are also quick to fade and are prone to degradation and safety risks due to increased heat generation during the charging process. A new battery chemistry, which offers fast charging without these adverse side effects has been formulated by researchers from Imperial College London (U.K.) and Adelaide University (Australia).
Pouch battery cells based on interfacial anion-reduction catalysis were developed and demonstrated to sustain a charge of more than 85% after six minutes. The cells also supplied about 240.4 Wh/kg after less than six minutes of charging.
According to the researchers, the catalytic sites on the electrode surface attract anions to the battery 
Source: Adelaide University interface and promote the formation of a robust inorganic protective layer, which is critical for fast charging and long-term stability. The technology described in Nature Energy enables fast charging without sacrificing ionic conductivity.
The bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide-rich interfacial solvation structures and lithium fluoride-rich solid electrolyte interphase with high lithium-ion transfer capability were characterized by excellent chemical/electrochemical stability and high coulombic efficiency. Efforts will now focus on scaling up the technology for fast-charging lithium-ion batteries and testing long-term performance under practical operating conditions.
