Tag: Lithium-ion Batteries

  • Graphene Boosts Lithium-Ion Battery Performance Despite Challenges

    Graphene Boosts Lithium-Ion Battery Performance Despite Challenges

    Key Takeaways

    1. Graphene has exceptional properties that could enhance lithium-ion battery performance by potentially replacing graphite in anodes.

    2. Research suggests that incorporating graphene could increase the energy density of batteries by over 30% and improve charging times.

    3. A stable and economical supply chain for graphene is necessary before widespread adoption in batteries can occur, as current production methods are costly.

    4. There is ongoing interest in graphene-based battery solutions, but technological breakthroughs are still needed for significant advancements.

    5. Various companies are exploring innovative production methods for graphene, aiming to balance high purity with cost-effective manufacturing for broader use in batteries.

    Lithium-ion batteries are presently the leading choice for storing electrochemical energy. Among various materials, graphene stands out due to its extraordinary electronic, mechanical, and chemical characteristics, which make it an exciting option for improving lithium-ion battery performance. These unique traits could allow graphene to take the place of graphite, a different form of carbon, in the anode of these batteries.

    Breakthroughs Still Needed

    Even with notable progress in technology, a significant advancement in graphene-based batteries has not yet occurred. There’s great potential for graphene to significantly boost the energy density of batteries; some research indicates that incorporating graphene into silicon-carbon mixtures could enhance energy density by over 30%. Additionally, graphene may offer quicker charging times and enhanced fast-charging capabilities for lithium-ion batteries.

    Supply Chain Challenges

    Nonetheless, there’s a continuous interest in graphene-based solutions in the battery sector, but Maximilian Stephan, a contributing author, points out the importance of establishing a stable and sufficient supply chain first. Currently, there is no economical manufacturing method available for graphene batteries, and the cost of graphene remains high. However, the authors of the review “Graphene Roadmap Briefs (No. 4): innovation prospects for Li-ion batteries” from the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI) remain hopeful about graphene’s potential for commercial success in the battery industry.

    Innovative Production Methods

    Numerous businesses and startups are investigating creative methods to produce graphene using various strategies. For example, some companies focus on high-purity graphene to justify the higher costs associated with premium batteries, while others aim to create affordable production techniques on an industrial scale for this battery type. These developments in material science and manufacturing could eventually position graphene as a crucial element in battery technology.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Next-Gen Tin Nanoparticle Battery for Faster Charging and Longevity

    Next-Gen Tin Nanoparticle Battery for Faster Charging and Longevity

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Composite Anode: Researchers developed an anode using tin nanoparticles in a carbon matrix instead of traditional graphite.

    2. Improved Charging and Lifespan: The new batteries charge quickly (in 20 minutes) and last over 1,500 charge cycles.

    3. Higher Energy Density: The innovative anode achieves 1.5 times the energy density of standard graphite anode batteries.

    4. Enhanced Structural Integrity: The tin nanoparticle anode reduces volume expansion, leading to better structural stability.

    5. Versatility in Battery Technology: This new approach shows promise for both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, enhancing their performance.

    Batteries play a crucial role in the performance of various modern devices like laptops, smartphones, and electric vehicles, but they often present challenges. Key areas needing enhancement are charging speed and battery life. A team from Pohang University of Science and Technology alongside the Korea Institute of Energy Research has introduced a new composite anode that could address these problems.

    Innovative Material Use

    Rather than relying on graphite, the researchers from South Korea have opted for tin nanoparticles that are embedded in a robust carbon matrix for the anode material. These tin nanoparticles are created through a sol-gel method followed by a heating process known as chemical reduction. This method ensures that the tin nanoparticles are evenly spread throughout the durable hard carbon structure.

    Enhanced Battery Performance

    According to findings published in the journal ACS Nano, these advancements have led to better structural integrity and reduced volume expansion when compared to typical graphite anodes. Consequently, this innovation results in a greater energy density in the battery cells, along with improved electrochemical performance. In simpler terms, these new batteries charge more quickly and have a longer lifespan.

    When a lithium-ion battery utilizes an electrode composed of tin nanoparticles within hard carbon, it can endure over 1,500 charge cycles with rapid 20-minute charging times. Additionally, the energy density achieved is 1.5 times that of standard batteries featuring a graphite anode. This cutting-edge battery technology also demonstrates strong stability and enhanced kinetics in sodium-ion cells.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Shenhuo New Materials Launches 8-Micron Battery Foil Production

    Shenhuo New Materials Launches 8-Micron Battery Foil Production

    Key Takeaways

    1. Shenhuo New Materials Technology has begun mass production of an 8-micron double-sided photovoltaic cell foil, the thinnest in China.
    2. The thin foil serves as a current collector in lithium-ion batteries, improving energy density and performance.
    3. This foil is designed for high-end batteries used in smartphones, 3C electronics, and robotic power systems, enhancing conductivity and charging stability.
    4. The company has significant production capabilities, with annual outputs of 140,000 tons of battery foil and plans to increase to 110,000 tons for battery foil billets.
    5. Shenhuo aims to develop even thinner aluminum foil options, enhancing China’s position in the aluminum foil manufacturing industry.

    Chinese company Shenhuo New Materials Technology has started mass production of a new 8-micron double-sided photovoltaic cell foil, marking a significant advancement in battery components. The firm claims it can produce around 100 tons each month, making it the thinnest battery foil being made in China today.

    Functionality of the New Foil

    This very thin foil acts as a current collector in lithium-ion batteries, which is crucial for collecting and distributing electrical current to various circuits. Mao Yunfeng, the deputy GM at Shenhuo New Materials, notes that by decreasing the thickness of the foil, the energy density and overall performance of batteries can be enhanced.

    Applications and Benefits

    The 8-micron foil is specifically created for premium batteries used in devices like smartphones, 3C electronics, and even robotic power systems. Its reduced thickness enhances conductivity and contributes to more stable charging.

    Production Capacity and Future Plans

    Shenhuo New Materials boasts substantial production capabilities for aluminum-based items, with an annual output of 140,000 tons of battery and double-zero foil, 180,000 tons of cast-rolled foil, and 150,000 tons of cold-rolled foil. They are also increasing their production of battery foil billets to accommodate 110,000 tons per year.

    The company aims to further innovate by developing even thinner aluminum foil options, with aspirations of propelling China to new heights in the aluminum foil manufacturing industry.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • New Iron-Based Cathode Could Cut EV Battery Costs by 40% in 5 Years

    New Iron-Based Cathode Could Cut EV Battery Costs by 40% in 5 Years

    The electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing significant growth, but a key challenge remains—cost. A significant portion of the expense arises from the batteries used in EVs, particularly lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which account for about 50% of the overall vehicle price. These batteries are efficient and dependable, yet they are made from costly metals such as cobalt and nickel. Fortunately, a group of researchers led by Hailong Chen from Georgia Tech may have discovered a way to significantly reduce EV prices and lessen the environmental impact of battery manufacturing.

    New Cathode Material

    The team’s innovation focuses on a novel cathode material created from iron chloride (FeCl3), which is a far more affordable and sustainable option compared to conventional cathode materials. While traditional cathodes are expensive and depend on scarce resources, the researchers assert that FeCl3 costs only 1-2% of the price of these materials, all while providing comparable energy storage performance. Chen believes this advancement could drastically change both the EV market and large-scale energy storage solutions, significantly lowering costs.

    Impact on EV Pricing

    Utilizing FeCl3 could lead to a 30-40% reduction in the total cost of lithium-ion batteries. This reduction could help bridge the price gap between electric vehicles and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, addressing one of the primary reasons consumers hesitate to switch to electric powertrains.

    Georgia Tech via ScienceDaily

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,