Aluminum battery prototype (via Stanford video)
You can never have enough battery life. So far, lithium-ion batteries have been slowly replace the single use alkaline batteries in both small appliances and large, but even these aren't providing the type of power we need. The researchers at Stanford University may be on their find to fixing our power troubles. Hongjie Dai, chemistry professor at Stanford, and his team have created the first high-performance aluminum battery that's not only long-lasting, but fast charging and inexpensive as well. It's also supposed to be safer than lithium-ion batteries, which can burst into flames.
A familiar screen for all cellphone users.
These aluminum batteries are not only safer than their lithium-ion counterparts, they're also more environmentally friendly compared to the disposable alkaline batteries consumers have used for years. "Millions of consumers use 1.5-volt AA and AAA batteries," Dai said in a press release. "Our rechargeable aluminum battery generates about two volts of electricity. That's higher than anyone has achieved with aluminum.”
Even though the battery is still in the prototype stages, it's many features seem promising. Stanford's battery can last through 7,500 recharge cycles, while most batteries fail after about 100 cycles. It can also recharge completely in just over a minute. Dai commented on this by saying "This was the first time an ultra-fast aluminum-ion battery was constructed with stability over thousands of cycles.” Another innovative feature is the battery is flexible. The combination of an aluminum anode with graphite cathode gives it this ability. According to the researchers, it can be bent and folded giving it the potential to be used in flexible electronic devices. But as with everything else in life, there are still improvements to be made. Right now, the prototype produces only two volts, which is less than the 3.6 volts of the typical lithium battery. Also, aluminum cells only carry 40 watts of electricity per kilogram, while lithium-ions carry 100 to 206 watts per kilogram. This issue one other researchers looking to make aluminum-ion batteries commercially have run into as well.
But Dai's team believes they can fix the issue by improving the cathode material, which can possibly increase the voltage and battery density. "Otherwise, our battery has everything else you'd dream that a battery should have,” says Dai. “Inexpensive electrodes, good safety, high-speed charging, flexibility and long cycle life. I see this as a new battery in its early days. It's quite exciting." The team at Stanford hopes their aluminum battery will some day replace alkaline batteries we've grown dependent on. It'll be a while before the public can get their hands on this miracle battery, but if it provides everything as promised, it should be worth the wait.
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