Mussel-inspired lithium battery targets EVs, keeps 80% capacity after 1,000 cycles

Researchers in South Korea have unveiled a tri-layer composite solid electrolyte (CSE) that boosts ion transport and suppresses dendrite growth in lithium-metal batteries (LMBs). Lithium-metal batteries can store much more energy than conventional lithium-ion batteries. The higher energy density could give electric vehicles (EVs) a much longer driving range. But they are prone to forming dangerous lithium dendrites, which has so far limited their use. To tackle the challenge, a research team led by Mincheol Chang, PhD, a professor at Chonnam National University, has now created a tri-layer solid electrolyte. The material exhibited four times the ionic conductivity of conventional polyethylene oxide (PEO) electrolytes. Its design was inspired by mussel adhesive proteins. “Our electrolyte is designed for next-generation lithium-metal batteries that can enable longer driving ranges for electric vehicles, safer batteries, flexible and wearable electronics, and long-cycle-life grid-scale energy storage,” Chang said. A three-layer solution Their electrolyte consists of three layers, including two soft outer layers around a mechanically stronger central layer. The outer layers consist of a PEO and lithium salt matrix (PEO/lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI)), and maintain close contact with the electrodes while providing pathways for lithium ions. In contrast, the central layer contains ceramic lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (Li7La3Zr2O12 or LLZO) particles coated with polydopamine, or PDA, alongside a flexible triblock copolymer. The team said that PDA was inspired by the chemistry behind mussel adhesion. The new composite solid electrolyte with enhanced ionic conductivity.Credit: Rehman et al. (2026) / Advanced Materials “Inspired by the natural adhesive proteins mussels use to stick to rocks, our tri-layer composite incorporates chemically active ceramic fillers with a flexible triblock copolymer, boosting ionic conductivity and mechanical strength,” Chang continued in a statement. In the battery, the coated ceramic particles interact with the surrounding polymer chains and create interconnected pathways that allow lithium ions to travel more efficiently. The flexible polymer, meanwhile, reinforces the structure and improves its elasticity. This prevents dendrites from growing through the electrolyte. Dendrites are needle-like lithium structures that can develop during repeated charging. If they penetrate the electrolyte, they can cause internal short circuits and create serious safety risks. Long-lasting performance In tests, the optimized CSE-30 electrolyte, which contained 30 percent by weight of PDA-coated LLZO and equally thick layers, achieved nearly four times the ionic conductivity of plain PEO. It recorded a lithium transference number of 0.81. This meant that a high proportion of the ionic current was carried by lithium ions. In full-cell testing, the battery delivered a capacity of 133.6 milliampere-hours per gram (mAh/g) and retained more than 80 percent of its capacity, even after 1,000 charging and discharging cycles. The researchers also put the material’s physical durability to the test. Moreover, a flexible pouch cell continued powering an LED when folded and even after being partially cut. “This tri-layered membrane was fabricated through solvent-assisted dispersion, tape casting, thermal lamination, and hot pressing,” the team said. Chang believes that the tri-layer approach could pave the way for longer-range EVs and safer batteries, and support flexible electronics, wearable devices, and long-duration grid storage. The study was published in the journal Advanced Materials on August 3. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Based in Skopje, North Macedonia. Her work has appeared in Daily Mail, Mirror, Daily Star, Yahoo, NationalWorld, Newsweek, Press Gazette and others. She covers stories on batteries, wind energy, sustainable shipping and new discoveries. When she's not chasing the next big science story, she's traveling, exploring new cultures, or enjoying good food with even better wine.