Researchers at the American Argonne National Laboratory have taken an important step in the development of new sulfur batteries. Through a new invention they have managed to make these batteries more stable and efficient.
To understand why this is important, let’s first look at the current batteries in our phones and electric cars. These lithium-ion batteries contain expensive materials such as cobalt and nickel. These raw materials are not only valuable, but also often come from conflict regions.
Lithium-sulfur batteries work fundamentally differently. Instead of precious metals, they use sulfur in one of their poles, a material found everywhere on Earth. These batteries can store more energy on paper than traditional lithium-ion batteries. They would also be cheaper to produce.
The solution is salt
Until now, however, there has been a major problem: during the charging and discharging of the battery, soluble sulfur compounds are formed that ‘switch’ back and forth between the positive and negative terminals. This causes the battery to deteriorate quickly and last less time.
The American researchers now have in his own words achieved a breakthrough by adding a special salt to the fluid in the battery. This salt forms a protective layer over the electrodes, preventing the sulfur compounds from moving freely. Using advanced X-ray techniques, they have shown that their new design does indeed work: fewer sulfur compounds are formed and the battery remains more stable.
Make it safer
There are still obstacles to overcome. For example, the metallic lithium in the battery is very reactive and the liquids used can be flammable. The researchers are therefore working on safer variants.
If these issues are resolved, lithium-sulfur batteries could play an important role in the energy transition by making electric cars cheaper and better storing renewable energy. The research team is now working to understand even better how the batteries work so that they can be further improved.
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Source: www.bright.nl
