Lithium-ion technology is in a strong position globally. In fact it, and lead-acid batteries dominate the market. They almost make a perfect team. Solid lead-acid has been a favorite for its dependable power for over a century. Whereas lithium-ion has filled the gap created by new portable devices. However, when comparing lithium-sulfur with it, is does not appear ideal for electric cars and airplanes.
Comparing Lithium-Sulfur and Lithium-ion Technology
All battery cells in the lithium-ion stable exchange lithium-ions between their electrodes. In this way they can accept energy from an external source and store it. They can release this power into an electrical circuit when required. It’s like the tide, energy out and energy in.
That said lithium-ion cells have two inherent disadvantages. They overheat during charging,, or if something causes their electrodes to short-circuit. This only affects a few of them. However all lithium cells have limited storage capacity, and that’s becoming a problem. Hence researchers are exploring potential they discovered when comparing lithium-sulfur with them.
Lithium-Sulfur’s Major Advantages and Benefits
Lithium-sulfur battery cells offer four times more density than lithium-ion ones. That translates into a phone battery lasting four times longer, and an electric car traveling that much farther. Moreover, their catalytic element sulfur costs less than cobalt or manganese, on which the lithium-ion process depends.
However, weight becomes the most important benefit when comparing lithium-sulfur with lithium ion. The ability of energy to move an object depends on its mass because of forces of inertia. This benefit becomes particularly evident when designing electric aircraft. They must be able to travel farther across isolated regions with few places to land and recharge.
Moreover, a lighter aircraft means it can carry more passengers and cargo. The benefits for commercialization are obvious. We just need more investors with vision, and entrepreneurs to achieve it.
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Preview Image: Schematical Principle of a Lithium-Sulfur Battery
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