According to Businesskorea, a UNIST-KIST joint research team has developed a high-crystallinity organic anode material for lithium-ion batteries, named Cl-cHBC. This new material is designed to overcome limitations in fast-charging batteries, particularly in cold weather conditions. The breakthrough, led by Prof. Kang Seok-ju (UNIST) and Dr. Ahn Seok-hoon (KIST), was published in ACS Nano on January 21, 2025.
Why Cl-cHBC Is a Game-Changer
Key Advantages:
- 1.5x Higher Capacity than lithium titanate oxide (LTO), a commonly used fast-charging anode material.
- Lightweight and Cost-Effective organic composition.
- Superior Lithium-Ion Diffusion & Electrical Conductivity due to high crystallinity.
- Stable Performance at Low Temperatures, making it ideal for cold climates.
LTO is currently favored for its fast-charging properties, but it is expensive and has only half the capacity of traditional graphite anodes. Cl-cHBC bridges this gap by offering a low-cost, high-performance alternative.
Innovative Production Process
The research team achieved this advancement through an anti-solvent crystallization process, allowing Cl-cHBC to:
- Attain high crystallinity at low temperatures.
- Eliminate the need for high-temperature post-processing.
- Enhance battery lifespan and fast-charging capabilities.
This low-energy, cost-efficient method enables straighter pathways for ion and electron movement, ensuring rapid charging and improved output.
Real-World Applications and Performance Gains
When paired with various materials, Cl-cHBC demonstrated remarkable stability. Notably, when combined with lithium iron phosphate (LFP)—a popular choice in electric vehicles (EVs)—it achieved a discharge voltage of 3.0V, a 67% improvement over LTO-based batteries. This addresses the common low-voltage drawback of LFP batteries, making them a more competitive option for global EV markets.
Potential Applications:
- Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- Drones & Aerospace Applications
- Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
The lightweight and high-output characteristics of Cl-cHBC make it a promising candidate for next-generation battery applications beyond EVs, including drones and portable power solutions.
“The developed material can be synthesized at low temperatures without high-temperature post-processing, which could further secure price competitiveness upon commercialization.” – UNIST-KIST Research Team
Future Outlook
With growing demand for fast-charging, high-performance batteries, Cl-cHBC’s development marks a major milestone in lithium-ion battery evolution. This low-cost, scalable solution has the potential to revolutionize industries reliant on efficient and sustainable energy storage.
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