Add salt to significantly extend the life of lithium-based batteries

[Tubamanandy]

Anyone else spot this article ?

http://www.gizmag.com/long-lasting-lithium-ion-battery/33402/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&utm_campaign=8832051028-UA-2235360-4&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-8832051028-91514729

 

[Deleted member 4366]

It's total claptrap! I had a load of spare 18650 cells, so I put them in a bucket and threw in some salt. Nothing happened, so I figured you need to add some water to make it soluble; however, as soon as I chucked in the water it made them fizz and catch fire. I therefore conclude that it shortens the life of lithium batteries, not lengthens it.

 

[Kinninvie]

It's total claptrap! I had a load of spare 18650 cells, so I put them in a bucket and threw in some salt. Nothing happened, so I figured you need to add some water to make it soluble; however, as soon as I chucked in the water it made them fizz and catch fire. I therefore conclude that it shortens the life of lithium batteries, not lengthens it.

Did you Include a nanoporous seperator ?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

I left the heat-shrink covering on them. I think it's nanoporous. Maybe I should've punched some holes in them, but the aluminium cases are not easy to puncture. I'll try it on my lipos later.

Edit: I tried punching holes in my lipos before the test, but they caught fire straight away, so that doesn't work either. I chucked the salt on to dampen the flames. It did have some effect on slowing the burning, so it did prolong their life a bit.

 

[flecc]

The dendrite formation problem is mainly one in lithium batteries using cobalt cathodes, still existing in some battery types but not something that has appeared in e-bike batteries for years now. Using compound cathodes and with our better batteries now lasting through a fifth year of service, this advance, if it is one, isn't so relevant to us.

If it does work though, it would facilitate cheaper but still safe constructions which might bring slightly lower battery prices.
.

 

[trex]

the article does not say which cells the Prof was working with but I suspect he's talking about Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. Adding halide salts (chlorides and bromides) would not benefit cells using metal intercalation like in e-bike batteries.