Biochemical Virus Extends EV Life by 3 Times

Biochemical Virus Extends EV Life by 3 Times

When we mention the term virus, we generally associate negative words such as HIV and SARS; but if we apply its characteristics in specific situations, we can serve humanity to a large extent.

Recently, a research group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) published a paper in the journal Nature Communications that they can use a genetically modified benign virus called M13 to help extend the mileage of electric vehicles. Up to 3 times. Today, it is the first time that biochemical methods have been used to solve this problem.

To extend the cruising range of electric vehicles, it is nothing more than starting from two points: either increase the number of batteries or increase the battery capacity. The first option will undoubtedly increase the curb weight of the car. Therefore, even if the battery is increased, the load of the motor will increase and the cruising range will not necessarily increase. Therefore, only the second option can be resorted to. Increase the battery's energy density. At present, the vast majority of electric vehicles in the market are lithium ion batteries (such as the BMW i3, etc.), while nickel-metal hydride batteries account for a small part (such as the Toyota Prius hybrid car). The reason is that the energy of lithium-ion batteries Density is greater than nickel-metal hydride batteries.

The solutions proposed by MIT researchers are even more advanced. The basic principles are:

The M13 benign virus is placed in a Lithium-Air battery (a type of lithium-ion battery), and then metal palladium is added as a catalyst. This virus “grabs” metal molecules in the electrolyte. In the application scenario, a nanowire having a diameter of about 80 nanometers and coagulated with manganese oxide is formed, which has a width comparable to that of red blood cells. When a large number of nanowires are agglomerated together, a cathode of a lithium ion battery made of manganese oxide is formed, where lithium ions undergo a reduction reaction to produce lithium peroxide (Li2O2).

What are the characteristics of this cathode made from viruses?

Unlike manganese oxides, which are generally produced through chemical reactions, such nanowires are stinging. In other words, the surface area of ​​the lithium ion reaction at the cathode is increased, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery.

This seemingly simple biochemical battery technology can greatly increase the energy density of lithium-ion batteries and extend the mileage of electric vehicles. The current range of mainstream electric vehicles in the market is about 160km, and researchers at MIT say that lithium-air batteries using biochemical technology can extend the cruising range to 550km. Lithium-air batteries, as a key research direction in the future of power batteries, have an energy density that is close to that of traditional gasoline. The use of biochemical battery technology can further enhance this level.

Here is a brief introduction to the so-called lithium-air battery. This is a lithium-ion battery, which uses lithium metal as the anode reactant and oxygen in the air as the cathode reactant. Lithium-air batteries have higher energy density than ordinary lithium cobalt oxide batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries, and because the cathode uses air, the battery can be further reduced in size and weight. The lithium-air battery is a kind of metal-air battery. Since lithium metal has a higher energy density (3840 mAh/g) than metals such as sodium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, lithium is used in the development of metal-air batteries. It is the preferred anode reactant.

The energy density of gasoline is 13 kW·h/kg, and the energy actually transmitted to the wheel is about 1.7 kW·h/kg; while the theoretical energy density of a Li-air battery is 12 kW·h/kg, that is, 43.2 MJ/kg. According to the theoretical deduction, the energy density transmitted to the wheel when using a lithium-air battery can also reach 1.7 kW·h/kg. Lithium-air batteries have 5-15 times higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used today. This provides theoretical support for the development of low-cost, high-end popular electric vehicles.

In fact, the first gasoline engine and the first induction motor were both born in the 1980s and are the product of the industrial revolution of the same period. However, in the following hundred years or so, the source of power for vehicles as a means of transportation has been dominated by internal combustion engines represented by gasoline engines, and electric vehicles have always been marginal products. The main reason behind this is not the gap between the development level of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, but should be attributed to the most fundamental source of energy - the battery. Because the energy density of the power battery often found in the automotive industry is much lower than that of fuel, the battery has not become energy equivalent to fuel. That is, we often say that the mileage of the electric vehicle is insufficient.

However, in recent years, with the continuous improvement of battery technology and the discovery and application of various new battery materials, the performance and manufacturing costs of electric vehicle power batteries have been further optimized. At present, electric vehicles are mainly divided into two categories: battery and fuel cell. In the general sense, an electric vehicle (EV) refers to a model in which a battery is used, and a fuel cell vehicle is called a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) because its raw material is hydrogen.

Although Tesla's Model S 85 kWh model has reached the 480 km endurance level, the price is close to 90,000 US dollars after all; and the battery’s large size also increases the car’s overall quality. Therefore, research and development of small, high-energy battery is still an important issue. The exciting thing is that Tesla is already doing this.

According to a patent filed by Tesla, Tesla is currently developing a battery/battery hybrid system, namely a metal-air battery and a non-metal-air battery. This means that Tesla is also considering the application of metal-air batteries to its models to further increase its mileage. It is reported that this system can make the cruising range of electric vehicles reach 640km. I will do a detailed technical interpretation of this battery hybrid system later.

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