133 views | Created 2024.11.04 | Modified 2024.11.04 | Public Relations Team

·         Professor Min-Kyung Kim‘s Research Team (Department of Electronic Materials Engineering)

Develops Low-Cost, High-Energy Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Iron-Based Cathode Materials

- Develops a synthesis method for high-capacity iron-based conversion-type cathode materials and micro-particle utilization technology -

- Develops electrolyte suitable for conversion-type cathode materials and lithium-metal anodes -

A research team led by Professor Min-Kyung Kim (pictured) from the Department of Electronic Materials Engineering at our university has developed a low-cost, high-energy lithium-ion battery using iron-based cathode materials.

Lithium-ion batteries are recognized as crucial energy storage devices for a variety of applications and are being developed to achieve next-generation goals of safety, low cost, and high energy density. Among these, conversion-based batteries are promising candidates due to their high energy density. Specifically, iron fluoride (FeF2) offers the advantages of low cost and high energy density. However, current challenges include limitations in synthesis processes, low lithium/electron conductivity, and cycle stability. To address these issues, the development of nanoparticles has become common practice.

To address the reduced energy density per volume of nanoparticles and achieve commercialization, the development of larger particle sizes is essential. However, as particle size increases, reactivity decreases, leading to limitations in reversible capacity. In response, the research team synthesized micron-sized FeF2 materials and enhanced their reactivity through internal porosity, developing materials with high capacity. Additionally, the team analyzed the causes of material degradation during charge and discharge cycles and achieved high cycle stability by improving current collectors and developing advanced electrolytes.

This research is the result of a collaborative effort by first-year master's students Chi-Won Choi and Hyun-Min Yoon (Department of Electronic Materials Engineering), who began contributing as undergraduate researchers. The research findings were published in the prestigious journal Advanced Science (IF = 14.3, JIF = 93.5%) under the title "Achieving High Stability and Capacity in Micron-Sized Conversion-Type Iron Fluoride Li-Metal Batteries."

Professor Min-Kyung Kim stated, "This research makes a significant contribution to the development of next-generation lithium-metal batteries and provides a new direction for the practical application of conversion-type metal fluorides."

The research was supported by the NRF Young Researcher Program, the Korea Planning & Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology

(2022R1C1C1011543), and the POSCO TJ Park Foundation. Additionally, the research was supported by the NRF Master's Research Encouragement Grant, awarded to Chi-Won Choi.