Domestic researchers have developed a technology to charge lithium ion batteries in electric vehicles in just 15 minutes. (iClick) (This photo is protected under copyright law and unauthorized reproduction and redistribution are strictly prohibited.)

By Koh Hyunjeong

Domestic technology has enabled the charging of lithium ion batteries in electric vehicles in just 15 minutes.

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) on March 17 said a research team led by professor Choi Nam-Soon of the school's Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, in collaboration with another team headed by KAIST professor Hong Seungbum of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, developed isobutyronitrile (isoBN), a new electrolyte solvent.

The solvent maximizes the movement of lithium ions inside a battery. The team also solved issues occurring in high-speed charging such as lithium deposition and reduced battery life and set the basis to accelerate the charging of lithium ion batteries.

Published in the March 11 issue of the international journal Advanced Materials, the study received recognition for its innovation.

Choi said, "We expect commercial application of high-speed charging technology for lithium ion batteries in a variety of sectors such as energy storage systems, drones and aerospace."

hjkoh@korea.kr