Uncovering the Surprising Culprit of Lithium-Ion Self-Discharge

Self-discharge occurs when the lithium-ion battery discharges on its own, even when not in use, leading to a reduction in the battery's capacity and performance over time. This can be a significant issue for batteries used in applications where long-term storage is required, such as in electric vehicles, satellites, and medical devices.

The self-discharge problem arises from the migration of lithium ions from the cathode to the anode, which creates a potential difference between the two electrodes and causes the battery to discharge. This process can be accelerated by a number of factors, including high temperatures, high humidity, and the presence of impurities in the electrolyte.

A recent study by a research team uncovered a significant cause of the self-discharge issue in lithium-ion batteries, a discovery that was both surprising and eye-opening. A revolutionary discovery was made at the battery research center at Dalhousie University, which is funded by Tesla. "A commercial tape" that holds the electrodes in lithium-ion batteries together may play a significant role in the self-discharging process, according to Dr. Michael Metzger, an assistant professor and the Herzberg-Dahn chair in the Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science at Dalhousie University.

Read the additional details here: https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-researchers-explain-lithium-ion-battery-discharges/