The researchers say their batteries could open up new possibilities for massless energy storage in the future.
According to Popular Mechanics, Swedish and French scientists have developed the so-called “massless structural battery” that is ten times better than existing ones. The new battery type has already been tested in energy tests and has shown excellent potential.
Structural batteries are batteries made of various materials that are both an energy source and part of a device such as an electric car body. From here comes the first main advantage – reducing the weight of the device and increasing its power. Of course, such batteries can be used in smartphones or laptops.
Structural batteries contain multifunctional components. For example, carbon fibers can serve as electrodes and current conductors. The structural electrolyte provides charge and ion transfer. Fiberglass cloth separates the carbon fiber negative electrode from the lithium iron phosphate positive electrode with aluminum foil.
However, until now, structural batteries had low capacity and poor mechanical properties, but researchers from Sweden and France solved this problem by developing a new type of structural battery based on carbon fiber coated with a thin layer of polymer with the addition of lithium iron phosphate. .
Thanks to this design, the battery cell has a high energy density of 24 Wh/kg and a high elastic modulus of 25 GPa. This means it can store more energy with less weight and withstand greater loads without deforming. In addition, the battery cell has a good cycle – retaining 86% of its capacity after 15,000 charge/discharge cycles. It also has a fast charging speed and can be fully charged in two hours.
The researchers plan to further increase the capacity and modulus of the structural battery and optimize its shape and size for a variety of applications. They also want to use other materials for electrolyte and active materials. After all, structural batteries could open up new possibilities for massless energy storage in the future. In addition to making vehicles lighter and more fuel-efficient, they can improve the performance of portable electronics.
Previously Focus He wrote that scientists have created a “red substance”: it will change the whole working principle of batteries.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.