Chinese scientists have developed a new lithium battery electrolyte that achieves an energy density of 700 watt-hours per kilogram at room temperature and stable operation at minus 50 degrees Celsius. The research, led by teams from Nankai University and the Shanghai Institute of Space Power-Sources, was published in Nature on Thursday. The technology promises to enhance electric vehicle range and cold-weather performance.
Chinese scientists have made a breakthrough in lithium battery technology by developing a new electrolyte. The research was led by Zhao Qing from the College of Chemistry at Nankai University, Chen Jun, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and executive vice president of Nankai University, and Li Yong from the Shanghai Institute of Space Power-Sources. The team designed and synthesized a series of new fluorinated hydrocarbon solvent molecules for use in lithium battery electrolytes. By adjusting the electronic density of fluorine atoms and the spatial structure of solvent molecules, the researchers enabled effective dissolution of lithium salts, replacing the traditional lithium-oxygen coordination mechanism.
Zhao said the new system offers improved wettability and higher utilization efficiency than traditional electrolytes, reducing the amount of electrolyte required. He noted that weaker lithium-fluorine coordination allows ions to move more freely at low temperatures, facilitating faster charge transfer. Chen Jun told CCTV that the batteries have more than twice the energy density of ordinary batteries, enabling electric vehicles with a current range of 500km to travel more than 1,000km on a single charge without increasing size or weight.
Lab tests showed the electrolyte increased the energy density of liquid lithium batteries to 700 watt-hours per kg. Chen added that batteries based on the new electrolyte could have applications in new energy vehicles, robotics, low-altitude aviation, aerospace, and extremely cold environments. The study was published in Nature on February 27, 2026.