Battery Engineering

Companies working on the Next-Gen Batteries Here is the list of companies who are working on the next-generation batteries, those batteries that have the potential to replace the lithium-ion batteries in the future. 1). Lithium-sulfur batteries: These batteries have the potential to offer higher energy density and lower cost than lithium-ion batteries. Some of the companies that are developing lithium-sulfur batteries are: a). Oxis Energy, a UK-based company that claims to have achieved over 400 Wh/kg of energy density and aims to reach 500 Wh/kg by 2022. b). Sion Power, a US-based company that has partnered with BASF to commercialize its Licerion technology, which promises over 500 Wh/kg of energy density and over 1000 cycles of life. c). Lyten, a US-based company that uses 3D graphene as a cathode material for its lithium-sulfur batteries, which can deliver over 600 Wh/kg of energy density and fast charging capabilities. 2). Hydrogen fuel cells: These devices convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and water, offering zero-emission and high-efficiency power generation. Some of the companies that are working on hydrogen fuel cells are: a). Ballard Power Systems, a Canadian company that is a global leader in fuel cell solutions for various applications, such as buses, trucks, trains, ships, and data centers. b). Plug Power, a US-based company that provides hydrogen fuel cell systems for material handling, transportation, and stationary power markets. c). Nel Hydrogen, a Norwegian company that offers solutions for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution, as well as fuel cell systems for mobility and industrial use. 3). Graphene supercapacitor batteries: These batteries use graphene as an electrode material to achieve high power density, fast charging, and long cycle life. Some of the companies that are working on graphene supercapacitor batteries are: a). Skeleton Technologies, an Estonian company that is the global leader in graphene-based supercapacitors and energy storage systems. b). Zoxcell, a UAE-based company that manufactures and distributes graphene supercapacitor batteries for solar, telecom, electric vehicles, and other applications. c). Graphenano Energy, a Spanish company that develops graphene-based supercapacitors and hybrid batteries for various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, marine, and defense. 4). Redox flow batteries: These batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes that can be pumped through a cell stack to produce electricity. They offer long-duration, scalable, and flexible energy storage solutions. Some of the companies that are working on redox flow batteries are: a). ESS Inc, a US-based company that provides iron flow batteries for grid-scale energy storage applications. b). Invinity Energy Systems, a UK-based company that offers vanadium flow batteries for renewable energy integration, microgrids, and commercial and industrial power backup. c). Sumitomo Electric Industries, a Japanese company that has developed a redox flow battery system using vanadium bromide as the electrolyte. 5). Aluminium graphite batteries: These batteries use aluminium as the anode material and graphite as the cathode material, offering high energy density, low cost, and safety advantages over lithium-ion batteries. Some of the companies that are working on aluminium graphite batteries are: a). Lyten, a US-based company that also develops aluminium graphite batteries in addition to lithium-sulfur batteries. b). Phinergy, an Israeli company that produces aluminium-air batteries for electric vehicles and other applications. c). Log 9 Material, an Indian company that has developed an aluminium fuel cell technology that can power electric vehicles for long distances. 6). Bioelectrochemical batteries: These batteries use biological organisms or enzymes to catalyze the oxidation of organic fuels or the reduction of oxygen at the electrodes. They offer eco-friendly, biodegradable, and low-cost energy generation. Some of the companies that are working on bioelectrochemical batteries are: a). NantEnergy, a US-based company that provides zinc-air rechargeable energy storage systems for various markets, such as telecom, microgrids, rural electrification, and electric vehicles. b). Urban Electric Power, a US-based company that manufactures zinc-manganese dioxide rechargeable battery systems for grid-scale energy storage applications. c). Membrion, a US-based company that develops novel ion exchange membranes for various electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and bio-batteries. 7). Sodium ion batteries: These batteries use sodium ions as the charge carriers instead of lithium ions, offering similar performance but lower cost and higher safety than lithium-ion batteries. Some of the companies that are working on sodium ion batteries are: a). Faradion, a UK-based company that is a pioneer in sodium-ion battery technology, offering solutions for electric vehicles, energy storage, and consumer electronics. b). HiNa Battery Technology, a Chinese company that specializes in the research, development, and production of sodium-ion batteries and materials. c). Natron Energy, a US-based company that develops high-power, long-life, and low-cost sodium-ion batteries for various applications, such as data centers, industrial power backup, and electric vehicles. 8). Aluminium air batteries: These batteries use aluminium as the anode material and oxygen from the air as the cathode material, offering high energy density, low weight, and long shelf life. However, they are not rechargeable and require water to operate. Some of the companies that are working on aluminium air batteries are: a). Phinergy, an Israeli company that also develops aluminium air batteries in addition to aluminium graphite batteries. b). Aluminium POwer Systems, an Indian company that provides aluminium air battery solutions for electric vehicles and other applications. c). Aluminium Fuel Cell, a UK-based company that develops aluminium fuel cell technology for various sectors, such as automotive, marine, defense, and aerospace. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community  

Next Gen batteries that can replace lithium-ion batteries: Part 2 Click here for part-1 This is the 2nd part of the article where we are discussing the next generation batteries that can replace the lithium ion batteries. Bioelectrochemical Batteries Bioelectrochemical batteries are a type of rechargeable batteries that use living organisms or biological materials as the catalysts for the electrochemical reactions. Bioelectrochemical batteries have several advantages over lithium ion batteries, such as: Renewable and Biodegradable: Bioelectrochemical batteries use renewable and biodegradable resources, such as bacteria, enzymes, or plants, which can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and the environmental impact of battery disposal. Self-regenerating and Adaptive: Bioelectrochemical batteries can regenerate and adapt themselves to changing conditions, such as temperature, pH, or substrate concentration, which can improve the performance and lifespan of the device. Diverse and Versatile: Bioelectrochemical batteries can utilize a wide range of organic and inorganic substrates, such as glucose, wastewater, or carbon dioxide, which can expand the application scope and efficiency of the device. Challenges with Bioelectrochemical Batteries Low Power and Low Energy Density: Bioelectrochemical batteries have low power and energy density compared to lithium ion batteries, due to the limitations of the biological catalysts and the mass transport phenomena. High Complexity and Variability: Bioelectrochemical batteries have high complexity and variability in their design and operation, due to the diversity and sensitivity of the biological components and the interactions with the environment. Low Stability and Scalability: Bioelectrochemical batteries have low stability and scalability compared to lithium ion batteries, due to the challenges in maintaining the viability and activity of the biological components and integrating them with the device components. Sodium Ion Batteries Sodium ion batteries are a type of rechargeable batteries that use sodium ions as the charge carriers. Sodium ion batteries have several advantages over lithium ion batteries, such as: Abundant and Cheap: Sodium ion batteries use sodium, which is one of the most abundant and cheap elements on Earth, which can reduce the cost and availability issues of battery materials. Compatible and Flexible: Sodium ion batteries can use similar materials and structures as lithium ion batteries, which can facilitate the transition and adaptation of existing battery technologies and applications. Safe and Stable: Sodium ion batteries have higher thermal stability and lower reactivity than lithium ion batteries, which can reduce the risk of fire or explosion. Challenges with Sodium-ion Batteries Low Capacity and Efficiency: Sodium ion batteries have lower capacity and efficiency than lithium ion batteries, due to the larger size and lower mobility of sodium ions compared to lithium ions. Large Volume Change and Polarization: Sodium ion batteries experience large volume change and polarization during charging and discharging cycles, which can cause mechanical stress and resistance in the electrodes and electrolytes. Poor Low-Temperature Performance: Sodium ion batteries have poor low-temperature performance compared to lithium ion batteries, due to the higher melting point and lower solubility of sodium salts in the electrolytes. Aluminium Air Batteries Aluminium air batteries are a type of primary (non-rechargeable) batteries that use aluminium metal as the anode and oxygen from the air as the cathode. Aluminium air batteries have several advantages over lithium ion batteries, such as: High Energy Density: Aluminium air batteries have high energy density compared to lithium ion batteries, due to the high theoretical capacity of aluminium metal and the use of oxygen from the air as a free cathode material. Simple and Lightweight: Aluminium air batteries have simple and lightweight design compared to lithium ion batteries, due to the elimination of heavy or complex components, such as cathode materials or separators. Low Cost and Eco-Friendly: Aluminium air batteries have low cost and eco-friendly features compared to lithium ion batteries, due to the use of cheap and recyclable materials, such as aluminium and water. Challenges with Aluminium Air Batteries Non-Rechargeable: Aluminium air batteries are non-rechargeable compared to lithium ion batteries, which means they cannot be reused once they are depleted. Low Power Density: Aluminium air batteries have low power density compared to lithium ion batteries, which means they cannot provide high power output for fast charging or high-performance applications. Short Shelf Life: Aluminium air batteries have short shelf life compared to lithium ion batteries, due to the corrosion of aluminium anode by water or oxygen in the air. Conclusion In this blog, we have discussed some of the next generation battery technologies that can potentially replace lithium ion batteries in the future. Each of these technologies has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on their characteristics, applications, and challenges. Therefore, it is important to evaluate them based on their specific requirements and trade-offs. As battery technology continues to evolve and improve, we can expect more innovations and breakthroughs that can enhance our energy storage capabilities.“` Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Next Gen batteries that can replace lithium-ion batteries: Part 1 Lithium-ion batteries are the most widely used type of rechargeable batteries in the world. They power everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and grid storage. However, lithium-ion batteries have some limitations, such as low energy density, high cost, safety issues, and environmental impact. Therefore, researchers and innovators are constantly looking for alternative battery technologies that can offer better performance, lower cost, higher safety, and less environmental impact. In this blog, we will explore some of the next generation batteries that can potentially replace lithium-ion batteries in the future. Lithium-Sulfur batteries Lithium-Sulfur batteries are a type of rechargeable batteries that use lithium metal as the anode and sulfur as the cathode. Lithium-sulfur batteries have several advantages over lithium-ion batteries, such as: Higher Energy Density: Lithium-sulfur batteries can store up to 10 times more energy per unit mass than lithium-ion batteries, which means they can provide longer runtimes and lighter weights for the same applications. Lower Cost: Lithium-sulfur batteries use abundant and cheap materials, such as sulfur and carbon, which can reduce the cost of battery production and recycling. Higher Safety: Lithium-sulfur batteries do not contain flammable liquid electrolytes or toxic metals, such as cobalt and nickel, which can reduce the risk of fire and explosion. Challenges with Lithium-Sulfur Low Cycle Life: Lithium-sulfur batteries tend to degrade quickly after repeated charging and discharging cycles, due to the formation of polysulfides that dissolve in the electrolyte and cause capacity loss. Low Power Density: Lithium-sulfur batteries have low electrical conductivity and high internal resistance, which limit their ability to deliver high power output for fast charging or high-performance applications. Hydrogen fuel cells Hydrogen fuel cells are a type of electrochemical device that converts chemical energy from hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy and water. Hydrogen fuel cells have several advantages over lithium-ion batteries, such as: High Energy Density: Hydrogen fuel cells can store more energy per unit mass than lithium-ion batteries, which means they can provide longer runtimes and longer driving ranges for electric vehicles. Zero Emissions: Hydrogen fuel cells only produce water as a by-product, which means they do not emit any greenhouse gases or pollutants that contribute to climate change or air quality problems. Fast Refuelling: Hydrogen fuel cells can be refuelled in minutes, similar to gasoline or diesel vehicles, which means they do not require long charging times or extensive charging infrastructure. Challenges with Hydrogen Fuel Cell High Cost: Hydrogen fuel cells are expensive to produce and maintain, due to the use of rare and costly materials, such as platinum and membranes, and the need for complex and reliable systems. Low Availability: Hydrogen fuel cells require a steady supply of pure hydrogen gas, which is not widely available or affordable in most places and requires energy-intensive and carbon-intensive processes to produce from fossil fuels or renewable sources. Low Efficiency: Hydrogen fuel cells lose a lot of energy during the conversion from hydrogen to electricity, due to the losses in the electrolysis, compression, transportation, storage, and fuel cell stages. Graphene supercapacitor batteries Graphene supercapacitor batteries are a type of hybrid device that combine the features of supercapacitors and batteries. Super capacitors are a type of energy storage devices that can charge and discharge very quickly, but have low energy density. Batteries are a type of energy storage devices that can store a lot of energy, but have slow charging and discharging rates. Graphene supercapacitor batteries use graphene, a one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms, as the electrode material, which can enhance both the power and energy density of the device. Graphene supercapacitor batteries have several advantages over lithium ion batteries, such as: High Power Density: Graphene supercapacitor batteries can deliver high power output for fast charging or high-performance applications, such as electric vehicles or portable electronics. Long Cycle Life: Graphene supercapacitor batteries do not suffer from capacity degradation or memory effect, which means they can last for thousands of charging and discharging cycles without losing performance. Flexible and Lightweight: Graphene supercapacitor batteries can be made into thin and flexible sheets or films, which can reduce the weight and size of the device and enable novel applications, such as wearable or foldable electronics. Challenges with graphene supercapacitor batteries Low Energy Density: Graphene supercapacitor batteries still have lower energy density than lithium ion batteries, which means they cannot store as much energy for the same volume or mass. High Cost: Graphene supercapacitor batteries are expensive to produce and scale up, due to the challenges in synthesizing high-quality and large-scale graphene and assembling the device components. Thermal Stability: Graphene supercapacitor batteries may suffer from thermal runaway or overheating, due to the high current density and low thermal conductivity of graphene. Redox Flow Batteries Redox flow batteries are a type of rechargeable batteries that use liquid electrolytes stored in external tanks as the active materials. Redox flow batteries have several advantages over lithium ion batteries, such as: Scalable and Modular: Redox flow batteries can easily adjust their power and energy capacity by changing the size and number of the tanks and cells, which means they can meet various application requirements and optimize the cost-performance ratio. Long Lifespan: Redox flow batteries have low degradation and self-discharge rates, which means they can operate for long periods of time without losing performance or requiring maintenance. High Safety: Redox flow batteries do not contain flammable or explosive materials, which means they do not pose fire or explosion hazards. Challenges with Redox Flow Batteries Low energy density: Redox flow batteries have low energy density compared to lithium ion batteries, which means they require large and heavy tanks and pumps to store and circulate the electrolytes. Low Efficiency: Redox flow batteries lose a lot of energy during the charging and discharging processes, due to the losses in the electrolyte transport, membrane crossover, and shunt currents. Chemical Stability: Redox flow batteries may suffer from chemical degradation or contamination of the electrolytes, which can affect the performance and lifespan of the device.