BRIEFLY.
Rosatom's New Electrolyte Functions at -60°C
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1 min read
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Briefly Editorial Team

Rosatom's New Electrolyte Functions at -60°C

TL;DR

  • •Electrolyte retains 70% capacity at -60°C
  • •Rosatom's solution surpasses foreign competitors
  • •Technology enables battery use in Arctic and space environments

Why it matters

This breakthrough addresses the degradation of electrolytes in cold conditions, enabling lithium-ion batteries for extreme environments like the Arctic and space.

Technical Details

Scientists at Rosatom Chemistry (part of TVEL) have developed a new electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries that remains functional at temperatures as low as -60°C. Preliminary tests confirmed the formulation's performance and showed a slight advantage over foreign analogs. Traditional electrolytes degrade in extreme cold, thickening and increasing internal resistance while reducing voltage and capacity. The new lithium salt solution is less sensitive to temperature fluctuations: batteries lose no more than 30% capacity at -60°C.

Context and Background

Low-temperature electrolyte degradation has long limited lithium-ion battery applications in Arctic regions, polar stations, and space technology. Conventional solutions require costly heating systems, reducing energy efficiency. Rosatom's technology enables battery operation in extreme conditions without expensive modifications.

Industry Impact

The innovation could be applied to polar research stations, Arctic ships, drones, and spacecraft. Mass production discussions are underway with industrial partners. This may reduce reliance on foreign analogs and accelerate Russian technology adoption in the global energy sector.