Are batteries our real survival guide for a more sustainable solution? Do we need the next generation of batteries, a rival to the present battery technology? Is the battery going to be our ultimate solution for more futuristic eco-tech solutions to lead a healthy life?

A pivotal role is played by batteries in the transition to renewable energy and the fight against climate change. The key enablers of global efforts to curb climate change, with market developments reflecting the importance of batteries, particularly lithium-ion ones, store excess power generated by renewable sources such as solar and wind, ensuring a steady supply during periods of low production.

It makes renewable energy a more feasible option for societies and energy suppliers. Furthermore, batteries power electric vehicles, which as projected to be the only type of car for sale within a decade in a growing number of countries.

The transportation sector alone accounts for 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so transitioning to an electrified automotive powertrain is a critical component of any emissions reduction solutions. Hence, batteries are crucial for a sustainable future.

“ The battery is the technology of our time… Whoever builds the best battery will lead the next industrial revolution.” – Peter Carlsson, CEO, Northvolt.

As climate change and pollution become increasingly urgent issues, there is a growing demand for renewable energy sources and more sustainable technologies. One area of innovation that holds great promise is battery storage technology.

A new generation of batteries, due to advancements in battery chemistry and engineering, is emerging. These batteries are cheaper, last longer, charge faster, and are safer and more environmentally friendly. Most of the energy is currently created from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. The burning of these fuels releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide that trap heat, causing global warming.

Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are key to reducing emissions but provide intermittent power that depends on weather conditions. Effective energy storage is needed to capture renewable energy for use when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Batteries are a critical enabling technology for renewable energy due to their capacity to store generated electricity from clean sources and discharge it when needed.

With the world shifting gears toward electric vehicles, batteries are in demand due to increasing driving range and reduced charging times. Consumer electronics such as smartphones and laptops require frequent improvements in battery life and performance.

The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is the dominant rechargeable battery technology, powering everything from watches to electric vehicles. However, it has limitations in cost, safety, charging speed, and how long it can hold a charge. The next-generation batteries aim to overcome these challenges.

Lithium-Sulfur Batteries:
One promising chemistry is the lithium-sulfur battery. They use abundant, inexpensive materials, making Li-S batteries potentially cheaper than Li-ion. They can hold 2-3 times more energy by weight than Li-ion, enabling longer runtimes per charge. They also have a lower environmental impact.

Solid-State Batteries:
Replacing the liquid electrolyte inside a battery with a solid electrolyte or separator brings potential gains in safety and energy density. These batteries also eliminate flammable organic solvents used in liquid electrolytes and can use lithium metal anodes to hold more energy versus graphite anodes in Li-ion batteries.

Sodium-Ion Batteries:
Facing potential shortages and price volatility of lithium, sodium-ion batteries replace lithium with abundant sodium.

Magnesium Batteries:
Magnesium battery technology has emerged as a promising successor to Li-ion batteries. Magnesium is divalent, meaning it can transfer two electrons per ion compared to just one for lithium ions, giving magnesium batteries high energy density. They are also safer than flammable lithium metal.

Aqueous Batteries:
These batteries use water-based electrolytes instead of the flammable organic solvents typically found in Li-ion batteries. They are inherently safer and cheaper to manufacture but tend to have lower energy densities to meet the needs of large stationary storage like the grid.

Different aqueous chemistries are being explored, including aqueous ion batteries that use dissolved salts in water and hybrid batteries with one aqueous electrode and one solid electrode. Further research is improving their voltage, capacity, and ability to cycle. Aqueous batteries are already seeing use for grid storage and could find broader commercial applications.

As we can see, Li-ion batteries are enabling the transition to renewable energy and e-mobility. The limitations have spurred a global race to develop advanced battery chemistries that are safer, cheaper, more powerful, and more sustainable. The next-generation batteries offer more innovative, powerful, and sustainable solutions that could last for a longer period with more innovative approaches.

Sources:- IEA, ASME, BBC, weforum, energydigital, arena, national grid