New Battery Technologies That Will Change the Future

The need for dependable, clean, and renewable power is ever-increasing in our world today. Therefore, a need for advanced batteries that deliver sustainable energy storage solutions.

Presently, the most common battery type is the lithium-ion battery, which although reliable, has some drawbacks. Industry experts are formulating new technologies that will alter the energy storage landscape. As such, the future of battery technology looks promising with more sustainable, efficient, safer, and lighter batteries.

Let’s explore notable battery technologies that are transforming the energy storage dynamics in the future.

Solid-state Batteries

Unlike conventional batteries, solid-state batteries have a solid electrolyte that moves ions within the battery. The ions flow freely between the anode and the cathode thus creating an electric current. Solid-state batteries have advanced energy densities and enhanced safety.

How Do They Work?

Solid-state batteries have a solid electrolyte placed between the cathode and the anode. The electrolyte allows the ions to move freely.

The voltage in the battery causes the lithium ions to shift from the cathode to the anode, via the solid electrolyte when it's charging.

The ions shift back from the anode to the cathode when discharging. The stored energy in the form of electricity currents power your devices.

How Will They Be Used?

The solid-state batteries are suitable for various applications including:

1. Medical Implants and Gadgets

Due to high energy density, greater safety profile, and long lifespan compared to liquid electrolyte-based batteries, solid-state batteries are highly recommended for use in the medical field. The safety features of the batteries make them suitable for use on medical implants.

2. Electric Vehicles

Solid-state batteries are increasingly being used on electric vehicles. Due to their high density and increased safety, consumers are readily embracing them.

3. The Automobile Industry

According to a 2023 battery report by the Volta Foundation, various vehicle manufacturers across the world are aggressively considering adopting these batteries for cars.

Pros

• Improved safety due to its inflammable nature and non-leaking electrolytes.
• High energy density for prolonged energy use.
• Longer life span and improved battery performance.
• Fast charging due to high ionic conductivity and less risk of lithium plating.

Cons

• It lacks the interface between solid electrolytes and electrodes which is necessary for consistent and easy movement of ions.

2. Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Lithium sulfur has been applauded as one of the most affordable, lightweight, and sustainable energy battery technologies.

Lithium-sulfur batteries utilize lithium as the anode and sulfur as the cathode. They are rechargeable with a high energy density. Sulfur is plentiful and thus cheap which lowers its production costs.

How Do They Work?

Lithium-sulfur batteries create an electric current after a chemical reaction between sulfur and lithium. When discharging, lithium ions transfer from the anode (lithium) to the cathode (sulfur) to create lithium sulfide.

When charging, the reverse of this process happens. The process entails the breaking and formation of polysulfides.

How Will They Be Used?

Lithium-sulfur batteries are applicable in scenarios or industries requiring high power and are not keen on short lifespans. Some of the applications of lithium-sulfur include:

1. Aerospace Industry- Lithium-sulfur batteries seem appealing to the aerospace industry, due to their high energy density and low weight. Suitable for satellites, light aircraft, and drones.
2. Electric Vehicles- Due to their high energy density, lithium-sulfur batteries in EVs can make them lighter and long-range electric cars.
3. Energy Storage- Lithium sulfur is suitable for large-scale power storage allowing for easy integration of renewable energy sources.
4. edical Devices- Due to their safety and lightweight nature, lithium-sulfur batteries can be used in the medical field, specifically on medical implants and portable devices.

Pros

• Lithium-sulfur batteries have a high energy density, five times more than Li-ion batteries.
• Lithium-sulfur is non-toxic making it eco-friendly
• Sulfur is easily available and cheap which makes lithium-sulfur batteries cost-effective.

Cons

• Due to the dissolution of polysulfides in the electrolyte, Lithium-sulfur batteries have a short lifespan.
• It expands in volume when charging and discharging which can cause mechanical degradation of the batter

3. Sodium-Ions Batteries

Sodium-ion batteries utilize sodium ions to transport the charge. They have a working principle similar to that of Li-ion batteries and similar chemical properties because they belong to the same category in the periodic table.

How Do They Work?

The sodium-ion battery comprises the negative electrode (anode) which releases the electrons. The positive electrode (cathode) receives the released electrons.

When a sodium-ion battery is discharging the ions shift from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte, thus creating an electric current. Once the battery is charged, the sodium ions shift to the anode until the end of the charge voltage.

How Will They Be Used?

Some of the sodium-ion applications include:

1. Renewable Energy Storage: Sodium-ion batteries are sustainable for storing green energy generated by wind and solar.
2. Storage in the Grid: Sodium-ion batteries is stable at storing and supplying power, especially during intermittent power.
3. Industrial Settings: Industries can use sodium-ion batteries for mass energy storage, thus minimizing their energy costs.
4. Automobile Sector: sodium-ion batteries are highly sustainable in the automobile sector. It helps minimize carbon emissions, which is key to sustainable energy transition.

Pros

• Sodium raw materials are plentiful and thus are cost-effective
• Low costs due to lower electrolyte concentration
• They have low-temperature resistance
• Sodium-ion batteries are eco-friendly
• They do not form an alloy with aluminum interaction

Cons

• They have low energy density
• Have a short lifespan

4. Silicon Anode Batteries

Silicon anode batteries are part of the Li-ion batteries. However, they do not use graphite anodes. They utilize silicone anodes. The silicone anode results in high energy storage and a longer battery lifespan. During charging, silicon absorbs more lithium ions than graphite.

How Do They Work?

When charging, lithium ions shift from the cathode to the silicone anode. Silicone expands its volume to absorb more ions.

Due to advanced silicon anode battery technology, the battery does not experience mechanical stress when it expands. Silicon anode batteries are safe with a longer lifespan.

How Will They Be Used?

Here are some of the applications of silicon anode batteries:

1. Electric Vehicles

The electric vehicle industry will hugely benefit from the silicone anode. They charge fast and can withstand long driving ranges which is crucial for the future of electric vehicles.

2. Portable Electronics

Silicon anode batteries are suitable for powering electronics like smartphones, watches, and laptops. They have a long lifespan and a fast recharging rate.

3. Storage of Renewable Energy

They are excellent for storing green energy generated by solar and wind, thus making sustainability more achievable.

Pros

• High energy density than graphite anodes.
• Long battery life and long life cycles.
• Reduces reliance on graphite.

Cons

• Volume expansion during charging may result in battery damage.
• Manufacturing large quantities of silicon anode materials may be challenging.

5. Graphene Batteries

The popularity of graphene batteries is increasing rapidly. Graphene is the thinnest form of graphite. It features a single layer of carbon atoms forming a honeycomb-like design. It is a strong and good electricity conductor.

Graphene batteries feature an electrolyte, a graphene electrode, and another electrode constructed with a complementary compound.

How Do They Work?

Graphene batteries work by releasing and storing energy by changing between chemical and electrical energy. This conversion results in redox reactions (reduction and oxidation). The voltage drives the ions from the cathode to the anode, allowing redox to take place.

The released electrons generate an electrical current which is transferred to the external circuit. The route in which the charge is moving determines if the battery is charging or discharging.

How Will They Be Used?

Some of the common applications of graphene batteries include:

1. Space Applications: Graphene batteries have been adopted in space applications due to their high energy storage, high-temperature tolerance, and long lifespan. It is still under research to establish if it can be used in satellites.
2. Portable Devices: Manufacturers of consumer devices such as laptops, and phones can exploit the thermal stability of graphene to reduce fire risks.
3. Electric Vehicles: Electric Vehicles require high-performance, durable, and less overheating batteries. Due to graphene’s excellent thermal capabilities, it is suitable for electric automobiles.

Pros

• It is non-flammable and a safer alternative to Li-ion batteries.
• It charges faster and lasts three times longer than lithium-ion batteries.
• Graphene is highly flexible allowing it to deform and bend easily.
• It has a large surface area allowing for improved charge storage and faster charging.

Cons

Challenging to produce in large quantities

New Battery Technology Impacts and Trends

Battery technologies have already changed the course of power storage and usage. As the demand for sustainable energy grows, everyone needs to understand the impact these technologies bring, industry trends, and challenges.

Impacts

The new battery technologies are geared towards reducing the charging time. Also, it leads to the longer lifespan of portable electronics like smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and watches.

Also, with enhanced safety features and improved energy density, the technology will be more applicable in various fields such as space, medicine, and engineering.

Another impact of the new battery technology is cost-effectiveness and affordability. As the new technology becomes a reality, it is also becoming more affordable, and accessible to most people in various sectors such as electric vehicles.

Trends

Some of the major trends to watch in battery technology include sustainability which involves recycling batteries, improved efficiency, and safety.

Manufacturers and scientists are trying to find alternative raw materials that have a lesser impact on the environment and bring more value.

Some discoveries such as silicone anodes and solid-state batteries show great potential for changing battery performance.

These trends will greatly impact the future of various industries such as automobiles, electric vehicles, medical implants, and large-scale energy storage.

Challenges

Although the future of battery technology is quite promising, there is a foreseeable set of drawbacks that impede smooth growth.

For instance, a major challenge rocking this industry is environmental degradation due to the mining and processing of raw materials. Mining raw materials such as graphite and lithium leads to massive destruction of the environment which may take many years to rehabilitate.

Another challenge affecting battery technology is a shortage of raw materials, which affects the entire supply chain. These shortages lead to high costs, consequently leading to stagnation of the sector.

Conclusion

As battery technology continues to advance, we are beginning to see better types of batteries. These new generation batteries are safer, with high energy density, and longer lifespans. From silicone anode, and solid-state batteries to sodium-ion batteries, and graphene batteries, the battery technology future's so bright. Stay on the lookout for new developments in the battery industry.

FAQs

1. Which is the best battery technology?

All battery technology has excellent potential, each with its pros and cons. The best battery technology majorly depends on its application and costs of production.

2. Which battery is suitable for replacing Li-ion?

Li-ion batteries are currently the best in the market. Sodium-ion, solid-state, and graphene batteries are some of the safest, high-performance, durable sustainable batteries qualified to replace Li-ion.

3. What does the future of battery technology look like?

More studies and research are underway to create the safest, most efficient, and extremely durable batteries. The latest and most promising battery technology is the graphene batteries due to its excellent safety features, long lifespan, and fast charging abilities.