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Professor Kyu-Young Park's research team from the Graduate Institute of Ferrous & Eco-Materials Technology and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at POSTECH has announced a breakthrough in extending the lifespan and energy density of lithium-ion batteries using nano-spring technology.

By coating the surface of battery cathode materials with carbon nanotubes and nanoscale springs, the team successfully prevented internal cracking, a common issue during charge-discharge cycles. This innovation enables longer battery life while maintaining high performance. When tested, the battery achieved an energy density exceeding 570 Wh/kg with only 0.5% conductive material by weight, retaining over 78% of its initial capacity even after 1,000 cycles. In contrast, conventional batteries typically require 2–5% conductive material and offer energy densities of just 200–300 Wh/kg.

This groundbreaking technology was developed in collaboration with Samsung SDI, Northwestern University, and Chung-Ang University and was published in the prestigious journal ACS Nano. It addresses a critical challenge in electric vehicle (EV) batteries: structural degradation caused by repeated expansion and contraction of cathode materials during use. The nano-spring coating absorbs strain energy and minimizes electrode thickness changes, significantly enhancing stability and durability.

Professor Park emphasized that this technology is compatible with existing battery manufacturing processes, facilitating mass production and commercialization. He also noted its potential applications beyond secondary battery industries to other fields requiring enhanced material durability.