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South Korean Researchers Develop Safer, Longer-Lasting Lithium-Metal Battery

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. -safer-longer-lasting-lithium-metal-battery.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 8:50 GMT by Interesting Engineering
      Locales: Gyeonggi-do, Seoul, KOREA REPUBLIC OF

Seoul, South Korea - February 25th, 2026 - The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is poised for a significant leap forward thanks to a groundbreaking development from South Korean researchers. A team at Hanyang University, led by Professor Lee Chang-joon, has unveiled a new lithium-metal battery design that promises to address the critical safety concerns currently plaguing EV battery technology, while simultaneously boosting performance metrics. The implications of this innovation could be transformative for the automotive industry and the wider adoption of electric mobility.

For years, the promise of EVs has been tempered by anxieties surrounding battery safety. Current lithium-ion batteries, while effective, are susceptible to thermal runaway - a cascading reaction that can lead to fires. This risk, though statistically low, has been a barrier to widespread consumer confidence and has prompted intense research into safer alternatives. Lithium-metal batteries have long been touted as the 'holy grail' due to their potential for significantly higher energy density, meaning longer driving ranges and faster charging times. However, a major obstacle has prevented their widespread implementation: the formation of dendrites.

Dendrites are microscopic, needle-like structures of lithium that grow during the charging and discharging process. These structures can pierce the separator - the barrier between the anode and cathode - causing a short circuit and, ultimately, thermal runaway. The relentless pursuit of a solution to this dendrite problem has driven years of materials science research. Several approaches, including specialized coatings and electrolyte additives, have shown promise, but none have fully resolved the issue while maintaining performance benefits.

The South Korean team's solution appears to be a game-changer. Their innovative design eschews the conventional liquid electrolyte found in most lithium-ion batteries in favor of a solid electrolyte. Solid electrolytes are inherently non-flammable, dramatically reducing the risk of fire even if a breach of the separator occurs. More importantly, the solid nature of the electrolyte physically prevents the growth of dendrites, effectively eliminating the primary cause of short circuits.

But the innovation doesn't stop there. Recognizing that even solid electrolytes can be susceptible to microscopic cracks and damage over time, the researchers have integrated a self-healing polymer layer into the battery structure. This polymer is designed to automatically repair minor imperfections, preventing them from escalating into larger problems that could compromise safety or performance. This self-healing capability significantly enhances the battery's longevity and resilience, potentially extending its lifespan and reducing the need for replacements.

"Our new battery has a solid electrolyte and a self-healing polymer to prevent thermal runaway and enhance safety," Professor Lee explained in a recent interview. "We believe this innovation represents a pivotal step towards realizing the full potential of lithium-metal batteries for electric vehicles, offering a compelling combination of safety, performance, and durability."

The benefits of this technology are multifaceted:

• Unprecedented Safety: The combination of solid electrolyte and self-healing polymer provides a robust defense against thermal runaway, significantly mitigating the risk of battery fires.
• Extended Range: Lithium-metal technology inherently offers a higher energy density, promising to increase EV driving range by a considerable margin - potentially exceeding 500 miles on a single charge.
• Rapid Charging: Higher energy density also translates to faster charging times, reducing the inconvenience associated with lengthy recharge periods.
• Enhanced Durability & Lifespan: The self-healing polymer actively maintains the battery's structural integrity, extending its operational lifespan and reducing the frequency of replacements.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: Longer-lasting batteries mean less frequent manufacturing and disposal, lessening the environmental footprint of EVs.

While the research team is making significant progress, challenges remain. Scaling up production of solid-state electrolytes and self-healing polymers to meet the demands of the automotive industry will require substantial investment and refinement of manufacturing processes. Cost is another crucial factor; the materials used in this new battery are currently more expensive than those found in conventional lithium-ion batteries. However, with continued research and economies of scale, Professor Lee and his team are optimistic that they can overcome these hurdles.

The research, originally published in Advanced Materials in late 2025, has already garnered significant attention from major automotive manufacturers and battery technology companies. Several partnerships are reportedly being explored to accelerate the commercialization of this revolutionary battery technology. If successful, this South Korean innovation could usher in a new era of safe, high-performance electric vehicles, paving the way for a truly sustainable transportation future.