Korea Polar Research Institute Discovers New Material Enhancing Energy Storage Solutions
The Korea Polar Research Institute announced on March 13 that a team led by Dr. Yoon Eui-jung and Prof. Lee Jeong-tae has identified a material from Antarctic red algae, Curdiea racovitzae, that can significantly enhance the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. This discovery, made near the King Sejong Station, could address longstanding challenges in battery technology and pave the way for more efficient energy storage solutions.
Lithium-sulfur batteries are hailed as a promising next-generation energy storage solution due to their high theoretical energy density, which surpasses that of traditional lithium-ion batteries. However, they have been plagued by issues such as sulfur’s tendency to dissolve in the electrolyte and the expansion of materials during charge and discharge cycles, leading to performance degradation. Binders play a crucial role in maintaining the stability and function of sulfur within these batteries, and the newly discovered material, Curdiea racovitzae Polymer (CRP), offers a promising solution.
The research team discovered that using CRP as a binder instead of commercial alternatives increased battery capacity retention performance by approximately 100%. This improvement is attributed to CRP’s ability to form an ant-nest-like porous structure, which accommodates internal volume expansion during continuous charging and discharging, thereby maintaining electrode stability over prolonged use.
The significance of this discovery extends beyond technological advancement. Shin Hyung-chul, director of the Korea Polar Research Institute, emphasized the broader implications, stating, “Antarctic organisms, shaped by extreme environments, can offer humanity more than just wonder.” He further noted, “The challenge of Korea’s polar research to wisely utilize and preserve Antarctica will continue.”
The research, supported by the Korea Polar Research Institute, the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute, and the National Research Foundation of Korea, has been published in the international journal “Materials Today,” with an international patent currently underway. The joint research team is now focused on securing mass cultivation technology to commercialize CRP and is conducting additional research to increase extraction efficiency and discover similar domestic seaweeds.
This discovery highlights the importance of Antarctic research and the potential of unique biological materials to contribute to technological advancements. As the world seeks sustainable and efficient energy solutions, the role of innovative materials like CRP in overcoming existing challenges in battery technology becomes increasingly vital.
출처 : Businesskorea(https://www.businesskorea.co.kr)
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