10 hours Ago By Korea Bizwire
A team of researchers had identified a key component for next-generation lithium-sulfur batteries from a red algae species found near Korea’s King Sejong Station in Antarctica. (Image courtesy of the Korea Polar Research Institute) SEOUL, March 14 (Korea Bizwire) — Korean polar researchers have discovered a promising new material for lithium-sulfur battery development in an unexpected place: Antarctic waters. The Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) announced on March 13 that a team of researchers had identified a key component for next-generation lithium-sulfur batteries from a red algae species found near Korea’s King Sejong Station in Antarctica.
Lithium-sulfur batteries have gained attention as a potential successor to current battery technology due to their high energy storage capacity and relatively accessible raw materials. However, their development has been hindered by performance issues, particularly the degradation that occurs during charging cycles when sulfur changes its properties and the battery binder expands. A joint research team led by Yoon Ui-joung from KOPRI and Lee Jung Tae from Kyung Hee University’s International Campus discovered that a compound extracted from the Antarctic red algae Curdiea racovitzae could significantly improve the function of commercial battery binders.
The researchers found that using a complex polysaccharide called CRP (Curdiea racovitzae polymer) as a binder creates an intricate three-dimensional structure similar to ant colonies, which improves both the performance and stability of lithium-sulfur batteries. The research, supported by KOPRI, the Korea Forest Service, and the National Research Foundation of Korea, has been published in the international journal Materials Today. The team is currently pursuing international patents for their discovery.
Kevin Lee ([email protected]).
