New Battery Materials Changing the Industry (Part 4)

Almost all of the appliances in our homes and our cars used to be lead-acid batteries before the invention of the lithium-ion battery. All it takes is one chemical innovation to change the battery industry as we know it, which is why scientists are constantly experimenting with new ideas to get them ready for use amongst the masses.

In part 1, part 2 and part 3 of this series, we discussed some of the newest battery materials that are changing lithium batteries as we know them. Here in part 4, we’ll dive into even more battery chemistries that are changing the industry as we know it.

Aluminum-Ion Batteries

Aluminum-ion batteries are a cheap, safe, and durable alternative to lithium batteries. Aluminum is the third most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, after just Oxygen and Silicon, making it a good option for cheaper batteries in the future. Aluminum is also non-toxic, making it a safer option than a lot of the elements that are used in the production of lithium batteries. In terms of durability, an aluminum-ion battery can run for 2 to 3 times more charge cycles than lithium-ion batteries. They also have a high battery capacity and can be a perfect choice for rapid charging.

However, aluminum-ion batteries have a low energy density, making them far from ideal for uses such as smartphones. They also require a specific liquid electrolyte composition, which can become expensive to mass produce. It can also be challenging to find a suitable cathode material to match the aluminum-ion battery’s high charge capacity, but developments are underway.

Organic Radical Batteries (ORBs)

ORBs are made from entirely organic materials such as carbon-based organic polymers with redox-active radicals instead of metals like nickel, cobalt, and lithium. They tend to be amongst the safest lithium battery alternatives, as they are non-flammable and non-toxic. They also tend to have a high capacity and a low environmental impact. The main issue with ORBs is their low energy density, the tendency to degrade faster than lithium batteries over time, and their high cost of production.

Calcium-Ion Batteries

As a multivalent, calcium can carry two chargers per ion, giving it the potential for a higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries. It’s also a very abundant element, making it cheap to produce. It is less reactive to air and moisture compared to lithium, simplifying the manufacturing process and providing improved longevity over lithium-ion batteries. Unfortunately, it’s slow to charge and isn’t very compatible with common electrolyte, anode, and cathode materials.

Copper Nanowires

Copper nanowires are more conductive, provide reduced dendrite formation, and are more lightweight and flexible than their common silver alternatives. However, they are expensive to produce, don’t integrate well with other materials yet, and pose a risk of oxidation.

Any of these battery chemistries could be the beginning of an industry-changing discovery that could change lithium batteries as we know them. Be sure to reach out to us at CMB to learn more about new battery chemistries that we’re using in our high-performing and reliable batteries.