Changan & Hyundai supplier Gangfeng Lithium reportedly began mass production of solid-liquid-state batteries with an energy density of 650 Wh/kg, utilizing a lithium alloy. The company is also in the sample production stage of all-solid-state packs.
Gangfeng Lithium was founded in China in 2000 as a manufacturer of lithium salt and batteries. In 2017, the company started supplying batteries for passenger electric cars. In 2023, Gangfeng Lithium signed an MOU with Changan Automobile. A similar agreement was reached with Hyundai a year later.
Recently, Gangfeng Lithium officials disclosed information about the company’s latest business developments. A lithium hybrid solid-liquid battery with an energy density of 400 – 650 Wh/kg became one of the company’s latest products, Autohome reports. Such a pack is currently used in non-automotive segments. However, there is a chance that such technology will be adopted by future BEVs.
Gangfeng Lithium achieved improved battery density using higher-performance positive and negative electrode materials. Company officials shared that lithium metal anodes with low potential and high capacity are crucial for creating a high-density battery.
At the moment, lithium batteries have become the industry standard worldwide. However, they have several drawbacks. Lithium dendrites could be easily formed in such packs, leading to short circuits. The lifespan of lithium batteries is relatively short. However, Gangfeng Lithium reportedly solved these problems by using alloyed lithium metal to improve electrochemical stability.
This multi-element alloy technology allowed Gangfeng Lithium to suppress the growth of lithium dendrites. At the same time, the company achieved a critical current density of 50 mA/cm² and areal capacity of 1 mAh/cm². Such battery packs meet the requirements of 3C fast charging. Lithium alloys form a framework to maintain contact between the electrode and electrolyte.
Another highlight of Gangfeng Lithium’s solid-liquid battery is a “zero-strain” lithium alloy anode, matched with a sulfur cathode. It achieves 3% – 5% volume expansion during charge and discharge. Such a battery also passed penetration and heating to 250 °C tests. The exothermic reaction between the alloy and sulfides is more than 90% lower than that of pure lithium.
As mentioned, these technologies were adopted by Gangfeng Lithium’s solid-liquid-state batteries. They haven’t been used on cars yet. However, the battery maker believes that such experience will help it to create all-solid-state batteries with lithium alloy anodes. The company has already reached the sample production stage. More about Gangfeng Lithium as we get it.
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