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Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Scientists announce breakthrough that could deliver ultra-futuristic batteries: 'The ... achievement was significant'
A new advancement in battery technology might just transform how we power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles, according to a recent article in Tech Xplore. Researchers at Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute have developed an "enhanced coprecipitation method" that dramatically improves the production of all-solid-state batteries, potentially solving one of the biggest hurdles to their widespread adoption. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes, all-solid-state batteries utilize solid materials to transfer ions between the battery's components. This eliminates the risk of fire or explosion that has plagued traditional batteries. However, the complex manufacturing process and high costs have also kept this safer technology out of consumers' hands. Dr. Ha Yoon-Cheol's team tackled these challenges head-on by refining a process it first introduced in 2021. Its enhanced method significantly cuts production time from 14 hours to just four hours while simultaneously improving battery performance, according to the article. The solid electrolytes produced through this method achieved an impressive ion conductivity of 5.7 milliSiemens per centimeter, surpassing even liquid electrolytes used in today's batteries. Do you think a majority of Americans will have EVs in 20 years? Absolutely Only in some states No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "The previous achievement was significant in that it introduced the coprecipitation technology for the first time in the world to the manufacturing process of solid electrolytes," Dr. Ha said, "while this upgraded method is a result of optimizing the principles of the coprecipitation method through detailed analysis, leading to better outcomes." The study, published earlier this year, represents a major leap forward in making a clean energy future more accessible. Companies like Sunrun and Tesla could benefit greatly from these improved energy storage solutions, while homeowners may gain access to future battery backups that are safer and store more power in less space — potentially lowering costs and providing extended emergency power during outages. The technology has already been transferred to Daejoo Electronic Materials Co., a South Korean company specializing in electronic materials, for commercial development. If you're interested in pairing future battery technology with existing clean energy solutions, check out The Cool Down's guide to installing solar panels to make your home more efficient while helping our environment. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers overcome major obstacle in development of next-generation batteries: 'A significant achievement'
A battery design that can store eight times the power per pound of common lithium-ion packs is closer to commercialization thanks to carbon nanotubes, according to a report published by EurekAlert detailing the findings from South Korea. At issue is lithium-sulfur chemistry, a promising alternative that is cost-effective, uses abundant materials, and is environmentally friendly. Those perks have researchers from the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute excited about developing the tech. A hiccup is that polysulfides generated as the battery cycles cause unneeded chemical reactions that reduce the pack's lifespan. The experts said this problem is the "biggest obstacle to commercialization." Their solution — single-walled carbon nanotubes — sounds like something that could be featured in an episode of "Ancient Aliens." While not an out-of-this-world innovation, the tech is a "next-generation material with strength surpassing steel and electrical conductivity comparable to copper," according to the South Korean team. The nanotubes are combined with "oxygen functional groups," which help stabilize the electrode. Batteries have two electrodes: an anode and a cathode. Ions move between them while charging and discharging, according to a U.S. Department of Energy description. The nanomaterial reduces the sulfur loss and supports overall battery function, the researchers found, per EurekAlert. "Our technology has not only overcome the biggest challenge of the lithium–sulfur battery through the combination of [nanotubes] and oxygen functional groups, but also achieved the design and prototype development of large-area, high-capacity flexible electrodes. This is a comprehensive result," researcher Park Jun-woo said of the findings. Lithium-sulfur work is happening in labs around the world. In Australia, a team is using the popular antiseptic Betadine as part of the chemistry. A cadre of scientists in Germany is encapsulating sulfur in a microporous polymer to prevent degradation. The research represents important benchmarks on the path toward finding a game-changing power pack. While lithium-ion batteries are powerful, reliable energy storers for electric vehicles, grid storage, and other tech, improved science can lower costs and increase performance. Improved lithium-ion cells might play a role as well, as evidenced by research from China's Guangdong University of Technology that is garnering promising results. Switching to battery-powered rides is an important part of limiting heat-trapping air pollution production, linked by NASA to increased risks for a long list of severe weather events, including wildfires. Investing in an electric bike and riding to work during the week can save you hundreds of dollars annually in fuel costs and reduce planet-warming, lung-troubling exhaust. Tax breaks might even be available to help offset the costs, depending on where you live. For the South Korean team's part, Park said in the lab report that the "foundational framework" has been put in place for the application of the group's innovation, "marking a significant achievement that opens up the practical commercialization potential of next-generation lithium–sulfur batteries." Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
