Dual-Ion batteries appear to be a sideshow in current battery research. Although the idea of a ‘double barrel battery’ does intrigue. References on Google do pop up from time to time though, but the overall impression is inconclusive. Today we ponder are these rechargeable batteries a runner, and conclude they may well be.
A Broad Introduction to This Topic
Titus Masese and Godwill Mbiti Kanyolo published an overview in Science Direct (Storing Energy) in 2022. They explained the technology involves simultaneous insertion (intercalation) of anions into the cathode, and cations into the anode during charging. And conversely de-intercalation (removal) of those ions into the electrolyte during the discharging process.
Both cations and anions come from, and return to the electrolyte, they continue. Anodes in dual-Ion batteries can be metal such as lithium, sodium, potassium etc., enabling insertion and removal of cations. While cathodes are graphite or organic compounds facilitating two-way insertion and removal of anions.
More Ponderings Over Dual-Ion Batteries
Yao-Bing Fang, Wen Zheng, Tao Hu, Li Li, and Wen-Hui Yuan published a review in ACS Omega in 2022 concerning applied research. They experimented with tin sulfide (SnS2) anode, graphite cathode, and high-concentration lithium salt electrolyte (4 M LiTFSI). And they concluded this arrangement produced the following benefits:
- Achieved very high specific discharge density.
- Outstanding capacity retention after 1000 cycles.
- Excellent low self-discharge rate of 1.19%/h.
- A promising alternative energy storage device.
Boyu Wang, Yuhao Huang, Ying Wang, Hongyu Wang posted an update on their research in Wiley Online Library January 1, 2023. They reported progress using methyl acetate/diethyl carbonate (LiPF6) solution.
Their prototype delivered 93.8% of its room-temperature capacity at −20 °C, and even worked at −70 °C. So yes, we conclude rechargeable dual-ion batteries do appear to have potential, as a future energy storage device.
More Information
BESS is More than a Friendly Brown Cow
Experiments with Batteries and Circuits
Preview Image: Dual-Ion Battery Research
YouTube Share Link: https://youtu.be/G14Zpv7eFBE
Pacific Northwest Laboratory Research
Masese and Kanyolo in Science Direct
