Samsung SDI has announced the development of a new electrolyte formulation designed to enhance both the lifespan and safety of lithium metal batteries.
The achievement comes from a joint research initiative involving the company’s domestic research centre, SDI R&D America (SDIRA), and Columbia University.
The study is drawing considerable interest across academia and industry as it presents a new method for addressing long‑standing challenges in next‑generation battery development. Lithium metal batteries are known for offering the highest energy density among current technologies, delivering more than 1.6 times the energy density of NCA lithium‑ion cells. Despite this, commercial progress has been limited due to short charge–discharge lifespans, often restricted to only several dozen cycles.
Researchers have now demonstrated a significant improvement by applying a fluorine‑based gel polymer electrolyte. This formulation creates a stable interphase on the anode surface, effectively suppressing dendrite formation and enabling both extended cycling life and enhanced thermal stability.
The project highlights the combined strengths of Samsung SDI’s global R&D network and Columbia University’s academic expertise, representing a notable industry–academia collaboration.
If commercialised, lithium metal batteries could overcome the constraints of existing technologies and support sectors requiring high energy density, including next‑generation wearable devices.
“The publication in Joule provides academic validation of our technology that improves the safety of lithium-l batteries, which had long been considered a key weakness,” said Yong Lak Joo, Executive Vice President and Head of the R&D Center. “We will continue to accelerate the development of next-generation battery technologies based on our global research network.”
“This study represents a major improvement in lithium-l battery performance through a new electrolyte formulation and brings commercialization of next-generation batteries one step closer,” added Professor Yuan Yang of Columbia University.
The results have been published in the energy science journal Joule.
Images: (From left) Seung Woo Lee, Executive Vice President of SAMSUNG SDI’s R&D Center, Yong Seok Kim, Head of SDI R&D America (SDIRA), Professor Yuan Yang of Columbia University. Credit: Samsung.
