Asahi Kasei Electrolyte Extends Performance in Batteries
Noida, India, October 3, 2024 – Asahi Kasei, a global leader in advanced materials, has made a significant stride in lithium-ion battery technology with the development of a novel electrolyte that significantly improves performance. This groundbreaking innovation addresses key challenges faced by the battery industry, including low-temperature performance, high-temperature durability, and energy density.
The proprietary electrolyte, developed by Asahi Kasei’s research team, is based on acetonitrile (AcN), a solvent known for its high ionic conductivity. By carefully optimizing the combination of lithium salts, other solvents, and additives, the company has created an electrolyte that delivers superior performance in lithium-ion batteries.
Key Benefits of the New Electrolyte:
- Enhanced Power Output: Increased performance even at low temperatures, ensuring reliable operation in various environments.
- Improved Durability: Extended service life at high temperatures, addressing a critical challenge in LIBs.
- Reduced Battery Size and Cost: Smaller battery packs with lower manufacturing costs, enabling more efficient energy storage solutions.
Yuto Iizuka from Asahi Kasei presented the details of this breakthrough at the Battery Show, a leading industry event, on October 3, 2024.
Asahi Kasei Unveils High-Performance Electrolyte for Lithium-Ion Batteries
The new electrolyte offers several advantages over traditional options. It allows for increased coating thickness on the anode and cathode, reducing the winding length and resulting in significant cost savings and higher energy density. This is particularly beneficial for the Indian battery industry, which is highly cost-sensitive. Given the industry’s preference for LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) technology due to safety and cost considerations, the AcN-based electrolyte is well-suited to LFP cells, bringing them closer to higher energy density batteries.
Asahi Kasei plans to commercialize the new electrolyte in 2025, making it available to the global battery industry. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize the electric vehicle and energy storage markets by offering improved battery performance and reducing costs.
With the growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, the development of high-performance, durable, and cost-effective lithium-ion batteries is crucial. Asahi Kasei’s new electrolyte represents a significant step forward in addressing these challenges and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
About Asahi Kasei
Asahi Kasei is a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1922, the company has a rich history of innovation and growth, consistently adapting its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the global market. With a presence in over 20 countries and employing over 48,000 people worldwide, Asahi Kasei is committed to contributing to a sustainable society through its diverse range of products and solutions.