A group of researchers from the University of Cambridge has developed a lithium-air battery having high energy density, superior performance to 90% and can be recharged more than 2000 times. A technological miracle that sought to solve the theoretical limits of energy density in a battery, and has managed to be 10 times higher than conventional batteries lithium ion. It could power a car up to 650 km on a single charge.
The lithium-oxygen or lithium-air is a real challenge. As with other new generation batteries, many practical issues need to be addressed before these storage systems, lithium-air, they are become a viable alternative to more polluting sources.
Researchers Cambridge University are working on this path and demonstrated how some of these obstacles can be overcome. Scientists have developed a prototype of a battery of higher capacity, greater energy efficiency and greater stability than previous attempts.
Once again, graphene is the protagonist, with a carbon electrode made of graphene additives and chemical reactions in the battery, which is more stable and efficient.
“In the lithium ion battery (Li-ion) used in our laptops and smartphones, the negative electrode is made of graphite, the positive electrode is made of a metal oxide, and the electrolyte is a lithium salt dissolved in an organic solvent … The lithium ion batteries are lightweight, but its ability deteriorates with age, and its relatively low energy density means they need to be recharged frequently “, the scientists said.
The battery Liu, Grey and his colleagues used Cambridge have developed a very different chemical from previous attempts, with lithium hydroxide (LiOH) instead of peroxide Lithium (Li2O2). With the addition of water and the use of lithium iodide battery showed the “need” less chemical reactions, so it is more stable after several cycles of charging and discharging.
The findings, published in the journal Science , are promising but researchers warn that this lithium-air battery will remain off the market for at least a decade.
“What we have is an important step forward for the technology and suggest new areas of research” , Professor Clare Grey, Department of Chemistry, Cambridge study author said.
I wonder if in 10 years the battery may help to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
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