Credit: Unsplash+.
Scientists in Saudi Arabia have discovered that nylon—the same material used in clothes and everyday fabrics—can improve lithium-metal batteries.
This breakthrough could lead to more powerful, longer-lasting, and cheaper batteries, making electric vehicles, smartphones, and other devices more efficient.
The research, conducted by scientists at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), was published in two scientific journals, [_ACS Energy Letters_ and _Energy & Environmental Science_.](https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsenergylett.4c03221)
Their findings show that nylon can help stabilize lithium-metal batteries, improving their performance and safety.
Lithium batteries are used in many everyday items because they are lightweight and store a lot of energy.
There are two main types:
1. Lithium-ion batteries – Found in laptops, smartphones, and other common electronics.
2. Lithium-metal batteries – More powerful and used in robots, transportation, and advanced industries.
While lithium-metal batteries offer higher energy storage, they have some problems. They can be expensive to produce, use dangerous materials, and suffer from chemical reactions that reduce their lifespan.
Battery researchers often look for additives—substances that improve battery performance by stabilizing battery interfaces and reducing unwanted chemical reactions. The KAUST team found that nylon can be dissolved in a mild lithium solution and act as a powerful additive for lithium-metal batteries.
This discovery means:
* Batteries last longer
* Fewer harmful chemical reactions occur, improving safety
* Production costs could go down, making batteries cheaper
The researchers also found that nylon can be dissolved in milder solvents than previously thought, making it easier to use in battery manufacturing.
“Polymers, like nylon, are usually difficult to dissolve in common battery electrolytes,” explained Zhiming Zhao, a postdoctoral scientist at KAUST. “We carefully studied the chemistry and modified the battery’s structure to make it work.”
Professor Husam Alshareef, who led the studies, believes this discovery could help accelerate the use of safer and more efficient batteries. “Our goal is to create better energy storage solutions that support renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions,” he said.
This research shows how everyday materials, like nylon, can have surprising uses in cutting-edge battery technology. By making batteries more efficient, affordable, and safer, scientists are helping to improve everything from electric cars to space exploration.
With more discoveries like this, the future of clean energy and powerful batteries may be closer than we think—maybe even in the fabric of your clothes!