In an era of climate-friendly mobility, energy transition and digitalisation, batteries are at the heart of storage technology. However, as the world moves towards a more sustainable energy supply, the demands placed on batteries are also increasing. Innovations such as solid-state batteries, climate-friendly materials and sustainable charging infrastructure are ushering in a new era of energy storage that will be even more powerful, safer and more resource-efficient than ever before.
The state of today’s battery technology
Lithium-ion batteries are the current standard
When it comes to modern energy storage, lithium-ion batteries remain the benchmark. These powerful, reusable energy storage devices are now installed in almost all mobile devices and electric vehicles. Their high energy density and long service life make them particularly well suited to this purpose. They are also unaffected by the ‘memory effect’ phenomenon, whereby capacity slowly decreases due to premature recharging before the battery is completely discharged. However, lithium-ion batteries are delicate and sensitive to overheating, which can result in deep discharge or damage. Overheating can lead to performance losses and, in the worst case, even cause a fire.
The service life of lithium-ion batteries can be extended by keeping the battery level between 20 and 80 per cent in order to avoid extreme temperatures. Disposal is also important. However, caution is advised here: lithium-ion batteries must not be disposed of with household waste, but instead should be taken to collection points or shops for proper disposal.
A comparison of the different types
Lithium-ion batteries differ in their cathode chemistry, i.e. the materials they are made of. Nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries, for example, are particularly used in electric cars, e-bikes and smartphones. The combination of nickel, manganese and cobalt enables these batteries to store a lot of energy in a small space, which is their main advantage. This results in stable performance and a comparatively long service life.
Nickel-cobalt-aluminium batteries, or NCA for short, are also powerful because they can store a lot of energy while being comparatively light. This makes them highly efficient and space-saving, as well as ideal for long-distance e-mobility or applications with high energy requirements. NCA batteries are also highly resilient and have a long service life. However, they are expensive to purchase, are sensitive to heat and mechanical stress, and require regular safety checks.
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are a safe and robust variant of lithium-ion technology. They are particularly renowned for their durability and are primarily used in affordable electric vehicles. Unlike NMC and NCA batteries, LFP batteries do not contain critical raw materials such as cobalt or nickel. This makes them cheaper to purchase, and they can therefore be described as an environmentally friendly option. Although they are heavier and have a lower energy density than other common lithium-ion batteries, LFPs are considered to be highly thermally stable and resistant to mechanical stress.
Our article “LiFePO4 batteries from LiTime – the power source for mobile applications”, provides detailed insights into the practical applications of this technology. With its powerful, durable batteries, LiTime is setting new standards in areas such as motorhomes, boats, and off-grid energy systems.
The next generation of batteries is ready
This new generation of batteries is already poised to replace the widely used lithium-ion batteries of today:
Solid-state batteries
Many see solid-state batteries as a source of hope. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, they consist of solid electrolytes. This makes them safer and more compact, and enables a higher energy density. Consequently, they boast shorter charging times and a long service life. The solid electrolytes also reduce the risk of fires or explosions, for example in the event of overheating or damage.
Lithium-sulphur and lithium-air batteries
The further development of classic lithium-ion batteries is becoming an increasingly popular area of research. Lithium-sulphur and lithium-air batteries are good examples of this. Both technologies achieve a higher energy density, meaning more power with less weight. In lithium-sulphur batteries, for instance, sulphur is used instead of the conventional cathode, making them cheaper and more eco-friendly. In contrast, lithium-air batteries use oxygen from the environment as a reaction partner. This further increases the energy density, making them even more powerful. However, the reactions inside the batteries are still difficult to control. Nevertheless, these technologies are promising alternatives for the future.
Alternative raw materials and sustainable batteries
Scientists are still searching for alternative materials to use in batteries. One potential solution is sodium-ion batteries or bio-batteries. Bio-batteries are made from organic materials, such as cellulose, and other plant-based raw materials. However, this technology is still in its infancy. Rather than using lithium, the focus is increasingly on sodium, a raw material that is widely available. Although sodium-ion batteries are slightly heavier and have a lower energy density, they could be an attractive option, particularly for stationary storage and low-cost electric cars. Batteries based on multivalent ions, such as magnesium-ion batteries, are also considered a potential alternative. These batteries are particularly promising in terms of material availability, but research is still in its infancy.
What is currently being researched
In order to meet the increasing demands of modern energy storage, new approaches to battery technology are also being explored. The focus is on novel electrolytes, including solid-state electrolytes and non-flammable liquids, which are intended to improve safety and energy density. 3D-printed batteries are also set to become more important, as they allow for the rapid development of prototypes. Self-healing batteries, which can repair cracks or material defects independently and thus significantly extend their service life, are also particularly promising. Areas of application include analysing cell behaviour, detecting ageing processes early on, and establishing intelligent charging and cooling strategies that extend the battery’s overall service life.
Conclusion: An exciting field of innovation
The future of battery technology is set to be dynamic. Above all, it will be shaped by novel trends and innovations that can improve range, charging time, safety, cost and sustainability. Batteries that do not require rare materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel are particularly promising. However, there is still a long way to go. Although researchers are working on alternative solutions, these also present their own economic and geopolitical challenges, such as high costs, lengthy approval procedures and stringent safety standards. One thing is certain: batteries are now a strategic key to the energy transition, not just ‘consumables’.
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