Scientists have developed a new catalyst technology that could improve the performance and durability of lithium-air batteries, a system widely considered a potential successor to current battery technologies.
The research focuses on tungsten diselenide (WSe₂), a two-dimensional material whose surface previously had limited activity in chemical reactions. The new method activates the material’s surface more effectively, resulting in higher capacity, faster charge-discharge performance, and improved long-term stability in lithium–oxygen batteries.
Addressing Key Limitations in Lithium-Air Batteries
Lithium-air batteries are seen as a promising alternative to lithium-ion systems, with the potential to deliver energy densities more than ten times higher. However, their development has been limited by slow reaction rates and short lifespans.
These issues stem from a lack of active catalytic sites needed for oxygen-related reactions during charging and discharging.
To address this, researchers from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology and the Institute for Advanced Engineering developed a new catalyst based on WSe₂. In its natural form, this material only supports reactions at its edges, leaving most of its surface inactive.
Turning the Entire Surface into Active Sites
The researchers modified the material by introducing platinum atoms into its layered structure and creating atomic-scale vacancies where selenium atoms are missing.
These vacancies act as active reaction sites, allowing stronger interaction with oxygen molecules and improving key processes such as oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution.
This approach increases catalytic activity while maintaining electrical conductivity, which is important for battery performance.
Improved Lifespan and Stability
Lithium-air batteries using the new catalyst demonstrated a stable lifespan of more than 550 charge-discharge cycles, even under fast operating conditions.
The system also showed higher stability and durability compared to conventional catalysts such as platinum on carbon (Pt/C) and ruthenium oxide (RuO₂). It maintained consistent performance across a wide range of charging speeds, from slow to fast.
Broader Impact and Future Applications
According to the National Research Council of Science and Technology, the development introduces a new design approach that overcomes structural limitations in two-dimensional materials by making the entire surface catalytically active.
Beyond lithium-air batteries, the technology could also support improvements in other energy systems, such as water electrolysis and fuel cells, where efficient catalysts are required.
Researchers said the work, supported by international collaboration, shows potential for future commercialization and could contribute to next-generation energy storage and high-power mobility systems.
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Do you even know what happens when lithium batteries are exposed to oxygen ? Metallic is even more reactive
They have to publish the research for peer review if they want it to be checked for accuracy