Revitalizing Lithium Batteries with Ferromagnetic Cathodes and AC/DC Magnetic Fields
The challenge of improving the performance and efficiency of lithium batteries continues to be a focus in their development. Physicochemical reactions in the Cathode induce capacity fading, SEI creation, and mechanical cracking during charge and recharge cycles, contributing to battery decay over time.
One potential solution to this issue involves utilizing mechanical pulses generated by a ferromagnetic cathode material under electromagnet radiation. That is a new Lithium Ferrite battery and a specific AC/DC electromagnetic wave generator device. The device will communicate with the battery BMC and, after a diagnostic, will induce the mechanical pulses on the Cathode.
Electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy through ferrites, commonly used in electric motors and actuators applications. The desired orientation, motion, or vibration in the ferromagnetic material can be produced and harnessed as mechanical energy by controlling the interaction between the magnetic field generated externally and the soft ferrite-based Cathode. The Cathode becomes an electro-acoustic transducer.
Lithium Ferrite inkjet ink is a type of ferrofluid that forms disordered, ferromagnetic nanometric structures after printing. Upon exposure to magnetic fields, these structures align, resulting in microscopic movements that convert electromagnetic energy into mechanical energy. This causes vibrational motions within the thin film structure. The dense aggregation of ferromagnetic particles within a defined region aligns and tries to orient itself upon exposure to a magnetic field, leading to further microscopic movements within the nanospike structures.
The porosity of the cathode layer in a battery is a critical factor that impacts ion mobility during charge and discharge cycles. The porosity level determines the number of ions that can freely move within the cathode layer, thereby affecting the efficiency and speed of the charge and discharge processes. By adjusting the porosity, the ion mobility can be optimized to achieve specific performance characteristics, such as high energy density, fast charging, and long cycle life. A direct magnetic field can alter and control the cathode porosity.
The cathode contamination, dendrites, and cristal spikes growing over long-term use badly affect the battery. It stores and releases lithium ions during the battery's charge and discharge cycles, and its energy density, charging speed, and cycle life are reduced. The dendrites and spikes can be fragmented and resolubilized over an alternated magnetic field.
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Applying direct and alternating magnetic fields at specific stages of a battery's life cycle (fast charging, high demand, high or low temperature) can help extend its lifespan and restore its properties that may have been lost due to aging. This can be achieved through the use of magnetic field-generating devices.
Rejuvenating Lithium batteries can be accomplished using a device that implements charging-discharging cycles and high-frequency current to restore the battery's health through an electrochemical process. However, this method requires disconnecting the battery from its Battery Management Circuit (BMC), and its effectiveness is limited as it only addresses the chemical potential. On the other hand, the AC/DC magnetic process can introduce more precise mechanical energy into the system.
For ferromagnetic cathodes, rejuvenation can be achieved using wireless new equipment that can connect to the battery's Battery Management Circuit (BMC) through Bluetooth, conduct a diagnostic, and apply the AC/DC magnetic field. The results can be monitored online. Additionally, this equipment can be integrated into the battery pack to constantly improve battery life.
In conclusion, the ongoing challenge of improving the performance and efficiency of lithium batteries has prompted researchers to look for new solutions. One promising solution is using mechanical pulses generated by a ferromagnetic cathode material, which can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. The Lithium Ferrite inkjet ink is an example of this approach, where a water-based ferrofluid forms nanometric structures that align and produce microscopic movements upon exposure to a magnetic field. By controlling the porosity of the cathode layer, ion mobility can be optimized to achieve desired performance characteristics. Additionally, alternated magnetic fields can help mitigate the effects of cathode contamination, dendrites, and crustal spikes on battery performance.