The European CARBAT project to create cheaper, denser, and more sustainable rechargeable batteries appears to be off to a good start. That’s because researchers at Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid let their eyes wander across the table of elements. And then wondered whether calcium adjacent to lithium could be the next battery material. Their prototype calcium battery is full of promise, it seems.
Why Develop a Calcium Battery Now?
Lithium batteries are making a significant contribution to stored energy. However, their success could become their downfall as scarce lithium prices skyrocket, and the green circular economy becomes paramount. Moreover, the silvery metal is dangerous to handle according to Europa.Eu, questioning its sustainability further.
Europe alone may demand 60 times more lithium by 2050 to fulfill the need for electric vehicle batteries. Not to mention renewable energy storage that will form the backbone of reaching its emissions goals. Meanwhile lithium mines, many in remote locations are struggling to meet 2022 demands.
Time to Take a Calcium Battery Seriously
Calcium is 2,000 times more abundant than lithium, and is available locally in Europe. We find it in anything from bones to chalk in fact. ‘Calcium is one the most abundant elements on the earth’s crust,’ adds Dr. Palacín of Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid.
‘It’s not as geographically concentrated as lithium is. This could make a battery inexpensive because the raw material is cheap.’ His team’s calcium battery prototype is already proving promising. Europa.Eu reports the material forms a successful negative cathode with twice the electron exchange as lithium.
‘As any calcium travels through the electrolyte, two electrons would travel outside (instead of one with lithium),’ Dr. Palacín explains. ‘One could imagine that for the same battery size, the range would be higher if you used it in an electric vehicle.’
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