Recent advancements in materials science have unveiled a promising solution for enhancing the performance of lithium-ion batteries in cold environments. Researchers from China have identified lithium titanium phosphate (LiTi(PO)₄), a material exhibiting negative thermal expansion (NTE), as a potential game-changer for battery technology.
On January 9, 2025, a study published in Angewandte Chemie detailed how this unique material expands when cooled, addressing a critical issue faced by lithium-ion batteries: their performance deterioration in low temperatures. As portable devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage increasingly rely on these batteries, their efficiency in colder climates has become paramount.
The research team, led by Liming Wu, Chunfu Lin, and Renchao Che from Donghua University, Fudan University, and Inner Mongolia University, demonstrated that electrodes made from lithium titanium phosphate maintain strong electrochemical performance even at -10 °C. Their findings revealed that the three-dimensional lattice structure of the material allows lithium ions to diffuse effectively, retaining 84% of their diffusion rate compared to standard conditions at 25 °C.
This discovery could significantly impact various sectors, including electric vehicles and military applications, where battery reliability in extreme temperatures is crucial. The implications extend to reducing the need for costly integrated heating systems and improving overall battery efficiency. As the demand for robust energy storage solutions grows, materials with negative thermal expansion like lithium titanium phosphate may play a vital role in the future of energy technologies.