Scientists from the Technical University of Chalmers (Sweden) and the National University of Chemistry (Slovenia) jointly developed a new battery concept that is as good as lithium-ion analogues in terms of performance as it is environmentally friendly. In order for it to reach the market, researchers need at least two years of improvement.
The new aluminium battery, which is not harmful to the environment, has a higher energy density than previous versions and is made of eco-materials and can reduce production costs and environmental impact. This idea has the potential to be used on a large scale, including for storing solar and wind energy.
Aluminum is one of several alternatives to lithium-ion battery technology. Although aluminium does not have the same energy density, it is a material that is often used in production and is cleaner than lithium.
So far, aluminium batteries have used graphite cathodes, but the energy density in this case has been too low for use. The new cathode may lead to cheaper and more environmentally friendly batteries that can compete with lithium-ion analogues in the future, scientists say.
Researchers need refinement before bringing the concept to market. For example, they want to replace the electrolyte and are looking for a material that can be used instead of chlorine.