Lithium-Ion batteries appear to be the optimum solution for dense energy storage, despite environmental concerns. However, scientists have known for a while lithium-carbon batteries hold even greater promise although technical issues frustrate them. A study in Science Open charted a way forward on March 21, 2022.
Why Lithium-Carbon Batteries Hold Great Promise
Lithium-carbon batteries as the name suggests have positively charged lithium anodes, and negatively charged porous carbon cathodes. Electrons pass between them via an organic electrolyte-infused separator.
Beyond that, they function along the same lines as other lithium batteries. But their energy storage density is 7 times greater according to AZO Clean Tech. This is why the technology is so important.
But that’s not all, as the old saying goes. Lithium-carbon batteries hold promise for transforming waste carbon-dioxide into something useful, as opposed to clogging the atmosphere. Now if we could use the technology to support green energy projects then we should score double benefits!
The Factors Holding the Technology Back
Lithium-carbon batteries may hold great promise but the dynamics of the electrode, the interface, and the electrolyte are still unsatisfactory. The researchers say these issues center on the slow kinetics of the porous carbon cathode itself. However, they hope to find a suitable electro catalyst.
They are particularly excited about the potential of lithium-carbon batteries in aerospace exploration. Mars, for example has CO2 concentration of up to 96 percent in the thin atmosphere.
While there is no doubt there is a long way to go, the researchers believe the solution lies in interdisciplinary teams. These could range from chemical engineering to material science, and electrochemistry to nanotechnology. This is an unfolding topic we shall follow with great interest,
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