TLDR:
Shanghai scientists have developed a rechargeable calcium-based battery, offering a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion cells. The batteries, made from calcium, can charge and discharge 700 times at room temperature, showing high safety and stable performance. The research was published in the journal Nature. The calcium-oxygen batteries have the highest theoretical energy density among all calcium-based batteries.
Key Points:
- Shanghai scientists have developed a rechargeable calcium-based battery as a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion cells.
- The batteries, made from calcium, can charge and discharge 700 times at room temperature, showing high safety and stable performance.
Shanghai scientists have achieved a breakthrough in calcium battery technology, introducing a rechargeable calcium-based battery that offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option compared to traditional lithium-ion cells. This innovative battery, developed by a team of scientists from Fudan University, utilizes calcium as its primary material, which is significantly more abundant in the Earth’s crust than lithium. The calcium-oxygen batteries exhibit a high energy density and can be charged and discharged up to 700 times at room temperature, showcasing great potential for future energy applications.
The research, published in the UK-based journal Nature, highlights the advantages of calcium-based batteries, particularly in terms of cost and sustainability. Unlike lithium-ion batteries that rely on metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese in their cathode materials, the calcium-oxygen batteries use carbon, lowering production costs. Additionally, the calcium-oxygen batteries derive their energy from oxygen in the air, eliminating the need for internal stored materials, resulting in a higher theoretical energy density.
One of the main challenges in developing calcium-based batteries was the high electrochemical activity of calcium anodes, leading to issues with electrolyte reduction and decomposition. However, the Fudan team successfully addressed these challenges by creating a new liquid electrolyte that met the battery’s requirements while ensuring stable electrochemical properties. This breakthrough not only enhances the safety of the battery but also opens up possibilities for the development of flexible battery textiles.
While there is still room for improvement in terms of the number of charge-discharge cycles compared to commercial lithium-ion batteries, which can reach up to 3,000 cycles, the performance of the calcium-oxygen batteries demonstrates significant potential for practical use. With the looming prospect of a lithium shortage, the development of calcium-based batteries presents a promising pathway for advancing energy storage technologies and meeting future demands for portable and wearable electronic devices.