15.1 Next-generation battery chemistries
3 min read•august 7, 2024
Next-gen battery tech is pushing the envelope of energy storage. From solid-state lithium to metal-air designs, these new chemistries promise higher capacity, improved safety, and better performance.
But it's not just about lithium anymore. Sodium-ion, multivalent ions, and even are emerging as potential game-changers. These innovations could revolutionize how we store and use energy in the future.
Advanced Lithium-based Batteries
Solid-state Lithium Batteries
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- Use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte
- Offer improved safety by reducing the risk of and electrolyte leakage
- Potential for higher due to the ability to use metallic lithium anodes
- Challenges include finding suitable solid electrolyte materials with high ionic conductivity and compatibility with electrodes
- Examples of solid electrolyte materials:
- (LiPON)
- (LISICON)
- (e.g., Li7La3Zr2O12)
Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) Batteries
- Use sulfur as the cathode material and lithium metal as the anode
- Sulfur offers a high theoretical specific capacity (1,675 mAh/g) and energy density
- Advantages include low cost and abundance of sulfur, and potential for high energy density
- Challenges include managing the , which causes capacity fade and
- Strategies to address challenges:
- Use of and to improve sulfur utilization
- Development of and to mitigate polysulfide shuttle effect
Alternative Ion Batteries
Sodium-ion (Na-ion) Batteries
- Use sodium ions as the charge carriers instead of lithium ions
- Advantages include the abundance and low cost of sodium compared to lithium
- Similar working principles to lithium-ion batteries, allowing for easier adaptation of existing manufacturing processes
- Challenges include lower energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries due to the larger size of sodium ions
- Potential applications in large-scale energy storage systems where cost is a primary consideration
Multivalent Ion Batteries
- Use ions with multiple charges, such as magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), or aluminum (Al3+)
- Potential for higher energy density due to the ability to transfer multiple electrons per ion
- Advantages include the abundance of multivalent metals and the possibility of using metal anodes
- Challenges include the of multivalent ions in solid electrodes and the formation of passivating layers on metal anodes
- Examples of multivalent ion battery systems:
Unique Battery Architectures
Metal-air Batteries
- Use a metal anode (e.g., lithium, zinc, or aluminum) and an that utilizes oxygen from the atmosphere
- Offer high theoretical energy densities due to the lightweight air cathode
- Challenges include managing the air-electrode interface, preventing , and improving reversibility
- Examples include lithium-air (Li-air) and
Flow Batteries
- Store energy in liquid electrolytes that are pumped through a cell stack
- Decouple power and energy capacity, allowing for independent scaling
- Advantages include long , high efficiency, and the ability to store large amounts of energy
- Examples include (VRFBs) and zinc-bromine (Zn-Br)
Organic Batteries
- Use as active materials for electrodes or electrolytes
- Offer the potential for sustainable and environmentally friendly batteries
- Advantages include the use of abundant elements (C, H, O, N), tunable properties, and potential
- Challenges include improving the stability and conductivity of organic materials
- Examples of organic electrode materials:
Quantum Batteries
- Exploit quantum phenomena, such as entanglement and superposition, to enhance battery performance
- Theoretical concept that aims to achieve faster charging, higher capacity, and improved efficiency
- Potential advantages include reduced charging time and increased energy density
- Challenges include the practical realization and scalability of quantum battery systems
- Current research focuses on understanding the fundamental principles and developing proof-of-concept demonstrations
Key Terms to Review (36)
Abundance of Sodium: The abundance of sodium refers to the widespread availability and occurrence of sodium as an element in nature, particularly in Earth's crust and oceans. This characteristic makes sodium an attractive candidate for use in next-generation battery technologies, providing potential advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, including lower cost and enhanced sustainability.
Air-breathing cathode: An air-breathing cathode is a type of electrode used in metal-air batteries that directly utilizes oxygen from the ambient air for electrochemical reactions. This innovative design allows for lighter and more efficient battery systems since it reduces the need for a stored oxidizer. By leveraging atmospheric oxygen, air-breathing cathodes contribute to advancements in energy density and overall performance of next-generation battery chemistries.
Aluminum-ion batteries: Aluminum-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that uses aluminum ions as the charge carriers, offering a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. These batteries have the potential for higher energy density, faster charging times, and improved safety due to their non-flammable properties. The development of aluminum-ion batteries is a significant step towards next-generation battery chemistries that aim to overcome the limitations of existing technologies.
Anode corrosion: Anode corrosion refers to the electrochemical process that occurs when the anode of a battery or electrochemical cell degrades due to oxidation. This process leads to the loss of material from the anode and affects the overall efficiency and lifespan of energy storage devices, especially in next-generation battery chemistries that aim to improve performance and reduce costs.
Biodegradability: Biodegradability refers to the ability of a substance to be broken down naturally by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, into simpler, non-toxic compounds. This process is crucial for reducing environmental pollution and waste, especially in the context of materials used in energy storage technologies. The faster a material is biodegradable, the less long-term impact it has on ecosystems, making it an important consideration for developing sustainable battery chemistries.
Calcium-ion batteries: Calcium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that utilizes calcium ions as the charge carriers instead of the more commonly used lithium ions. This next-generation battery chemistry offers potential advantages, including abundant and low-cost materials, improved safety, and a lower environmental impact compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. These features position calcium-ion batteries as a promising alternative for energy storage solutions.
Conductive additives: Conductive additives are materials added to electrode formulations in batteries to enhance electrical conductivity and improve overall performance. These additives are crucial in ensuring that the active materials within the electrodes can effectively transfer charge, which is especially important in next-generation battery chemistries that aim for higher energy densities and faster charge rates.
Conjugated Polymers: Conjugated polymers are a class of polymers characterized by alternating single and double bonds between carbon atoms, which allows them to conduct electricity. This unique structure gives them interesting optical and electronic properties, making them highly relevant in the development of next-generation battery chemistries and organic electronic devices.
Cycle life: Cycle life refers to the number of charge and discharge cycles a battery can undergo before its capacity falls to a specified percentage of its original capacity, often around 80%. It serves as a crucial performance indicator for assessing the longevity and efficiency of energy storage systems, influencing design choices and applications across various battery technologies.
Electrolyte Additives: Electrolyte additives are chemical compounds that are added to battery electrolytes to enhance the performance and stability of energy storage systems. These additives can improve ionic conductivity, enhance the electrochemical stability of the electrolyte, and protect electrodes from degradation during cycling. The use of electrolyte additives is crucial in optimizing the performance of various anode materials and in the development of next-generation battery chemistries.
Energy density: Energy density refers to the amount of energy stored per unit volume or mass of a substance. This key metric helps compare different energy storage systems, influencing their effectiveness in applications ranging from consumer electronics to large-scale energy management.
Flow batteries: Flow batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that store energy in liquid electrolyte solutions, allowing for scalability and long-duration energy storage. Their unique design enables the separation of energy and power components, making them suitable for various applications such as grid energy storage and renewable energy integration.
Functional separators: Functional separators are materials used in batteries that serve to physically separate the anode and cathode while allowing for the movement of ions between them. These separators are crucial for maintaining battery performance and safety, as they prevent short circuits while enabling ionic conductivity. In next-generation battery chemistries, the design and functionality of these separators can significantly enhance energy density, cycle life, and overall efficiency.
Garnet-type materials: Garnet-type materials are a class of compounds that have a specific crystal structure, characterized by their high ionic conductivity and stability, making them suitable for use in solid-state batteries. These materials often incorporate elements such as lithium and other ions, enabling their application in next-generation battery chemistries that aim for improved performance and safety.
Lithium phosphorus oxynitride: Lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) is a solid electrolyte material that has garnered attention for its potential use in next-generation batteries, particularly all-solid-state batteries. It offers a high ionic conductivity and stability, making it suitable for use in lithium-ion batteries where safety and efficiency are paramount. Its unique structure allows for the combination of lithium ions with phosphorus and nitrogen, resulting in an electrolyte that can enhance battery performance while minimizing risks associated with liquid electrolytes.
Lithium superionic conductors: Lithium superionic conductors (LISICON) are materials that exhibit high ionic conductivity, particularly for lithium ions, at relatively low temperatures. These conductors play a crucial role in the development of next-generation batteries, as they can enhance the performance and safety of lithium-ion systems by providing efficient pathways for lithium ion movement, thus enabling faster charge and discharge cycles.
Lithium-air batteries: Lithium-air batteries are a type of electrochemical cell that utilize lithium as the anode and oxygen from the air as the cathode. These batteries are considered next-generation energy storage technologies due to their potential for high energy density, which could allow for longer-lasting power sources compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. They have garnered significant attention for their ability to leverage abundant materials and provide lightweight solutions for various applications, particularly in electric vehicles and portable electronics.
Lithium-sulfur batteries: Lithium-sulfur batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that utilizes lithium as the anode and sulfur as the cathode, offering a high energy density and potential for cost-effective energy storage. These batteries are considered a promising next-generation technology due to their ability to deliver a higher theoretical energy capacity compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, while also using more abundant and less expensive materials.
Magnesium-ion batteries: Magnesium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that uses magnesium ions as charge carriers instead of the more commonly used lithium ions. They offer advantages such as higher energy density, improved safety, and lower cost compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, making them a promising candidate for next-generation battery chemistries.
Metal-air batteries: Metal-air batteries are a type of electrochemical energy storage device that utilizes a metal as the anode and ambient air (specifically oxygen) as the cathode. These batteries have garnered attention due to their high energy density, which can be significantly greater than traditional battery technologies, making them a promising candidate for next-generation energy storage solutions.
Multivalent ion batteries: Multivalent ion batteries are a type of energy storage system that uses multivalent ions, such as magnesium, calcium, or aluminum, to transfer charge during the battery's operation. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which utilize monovalent lithium ions, these batteries offer the potential for higher energy density and greater efficiency due to the ability of multivalent ions to carry multiple charges. This characteristic opens the door for advancements in next-generation battery chemistries that could revolutionize energy storage applications.
Nitroxides: Nitroxides are stable organic radicals containing a nitrogen-oxygen bond, often characterized by their unique structure and properties that make them effective in various applications, particularly in energy storage technologies. These compounds have gained attention for their potential use as redox-active species in next-generation batteries, where they can enhance charge storage capacity and efficiency. Their stability and ability to undergo reversible redox reactions contribute significantly to the advancement of battery chemistries.
Organic batteries: Organic batteries are a type of battery technology that uses organic materials, often derived from natural sources, as active components for energy storage and conversion. These batteries are considered a next-generation alternative to traditional metal-based batteries, offering potential benefits such as lower environmental impact, reduced cost, and increased sustainability in energy storage applications.
Organic compounds: Organic compounds are molecules primarily made of carbon atoms, often combined with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, or phosphorus. They are the building blocks of life and play a crucial role in various chemical processes, including those related to energy storage technologies. In next-generation battery chemistries, organic compounds can offer unique advantages such as higher energy density and improved environmental sustainability compared to traditional inorganic materials.
Polysulfide shuttle effect: The polysulfide shuttle effect refers to a phenomenon in lithium-sulfur batteries where soluble polysulfide intermediates migrate between the anode and cathode during charge and discharge cycles, leading to reduced efficiency and capacity. This effect is significant as it contributes to the loss of active material, thus limiting the practical energy density and lifespan of these batteries. Understanding this effect is essential for the development of next-generation battery chemistries aimed at improving energy storage capabilities.
Porous carbon hosts: Porous carbon hosts are materials characterized by a highly porous structure that allows for the efficient storage and transport of ions, making them particularly useful in energy storage applications like batteries and supercapacitors. These materials enhance the electrochemical performance of energy storage devices by providing a large surface area, facilitating better ion diffusion, and increasing the overall energy density.
Quantum Batteries: Quantum batteries are a theoretical advancement in energy storage that utilize quantum mechanics to enhance energy storage and transfer capabilities. They aim to achieve faster charging and greater efficiency compared to classical batteries by leveraging quantum superposition and entanglement, which could revolutionize how we store and use energy in the future.
Quinones: Quinones are a class of cyclic organic compounds characterized by a six-membered aromatic ring with two ketone groups. They play a crucial role in various chemical processes, including energy storage systems, as they can undergo reversible redox reactions, making them suitable for use in next-generation battery technologies.
Self-discharge: Self-discharge is the phenomenon where a battery loses its charge over time, even when not connected to a load. This loss of energy occurs due to internal chemical reactions that happen within the battery, which can lead to diminished capacity and performance. Understanding self-discharge is crucial for the development of next-generation battery chemistries, as minimizing this effect can enhance energy efficiency and extend the lifespan of batteries.
Slow diffusion kinetics: Slow diffusion kinetics refers to the reduced rate at which ions or molecules move through a medium, often leading to limitations in performance for energy storage devices. In the context of next-generation battery chemistries, slow diffusion kinetics can significantly affect charge and discharge rates, impacting the overall efficiency and effectiveness of battery systems.
Sodium-ion batteries: Sodium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that uses sodium ions as the primary charge carriers instead of lithium ions, which are common in traditional batteries. These batteries are considered a next-generation technology because they offer potential advantages like lower costs and the abundance of sodium compared to lithium, making them an attractive alternative for large-scale energy storage applications.
Solid-state lithium batteries: Solid-state lithium batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that use a solid electrolyte instead of the liquid or gel electrolytes found in traditional lithium-ion batteries. This design significantly enhances safety, energy density, and overall performance, making them a promising option in the field of next-generation battery technologies.
Thermal Runaway: Thermal runaway is a self-accelerating process where an increase in temperature leads to further increases in temperature, often resulting in catastrophic failure of a battery or energy storage device. This phenomenon can be triggered by various factors such as overcharging, internal short circuits, or physical damage, leading to significant safety concerns in energy storage systems.
Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries: Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are a type of rechargeable flow battery that uses vanadium ions in different oxidation states to store and release energy. These batteries stand out because they separate the energy storage and power generation processes, allowing for scalability and long cycle life, making them suitable for large-scale energy storage applications.
Zinc-air batteries: Zinc-air batteries are a type of electrochemical cell that generates energy by oxidizing zinc with oxygen from the air. This technology offers a high energy density and is considered a next-generation battery chemistry due to its potential for cost-effective production and environmental friendliness, making it a promising alternative for various applications including portable electronics and electric vehicles.
Zinc-bromine flow batteries: Zinc-bromine flow batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that utilizes zinc and bromine as the active materials in an electrolytic solution. This technology enables efficient energy storage with a longer cycle life and the ability to scale up for larger energy applications, making it a prominent option in next-generation battery chemistries.