Scientists at Jodhpur Indian Institute of Technology may have discovered an alternative to lithium batteries. This is according to an article in The Statesman which appeared on July 24, 2022. Furthermore, a breakthrough zero-lithium battery could resolve the concern there will not be enough lithium to meet global demand.
Key Materials in Breakthrough Zero-Lithium Battery
We include a link to the Jodhpur Indian Institute of Technology report below. In a nut shell, their scientists devised a calcium-magnesium battery for electric vehicles they say is “flawless and non-problematic in all aspects”. And moreover, benefits from low-cost materials and is practical to manufacture.
Therefore they hope to avoid the disadvantages of lithium technology from their own experience. Because these drawbacks, they say include “charging options in rural areas, overheating, explosion leading to fire, leakage, durability, and recyclability”.
Dr. Rakesh Sharma, who led the team, is Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry at Jodhpur. And he believes “next-generation rechargeable batteries based on zinc, magnesium, calcium, and aluminum are the most promising options”.
Is This the Counter to Scarce Lithium Resources?
The Jodhpur scientists calculate the lithium-ion battery market will expand from $30 billion in 2017 to $100 billion by 2025. This will consequently pile on pressure in Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and China, where most lithium reserves are found. Whereas heat-tolerant Calcium and Magnesium are abundantly available.
Therefore, they say the battery industry needs to shift focus in that direction, and support “a new breed of lithium-free batteries”. And moreover they envisage them being of high voltage / high capacity with great coulombic efficiency and recycling potential. They close their report with a discussion of the road map ahead, and opportunities for future lithium-free metal batteries.
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