Battery Evolution: The Eternal Search for Alternatives

It is quite astounding to know that the search for a steady battery will continue into the future. Considering that Italian Physicist Alessandro Volta initiated the process back in 1800 and Frenchman Gaston Plante made the first practical storage battery in 1859, no item has been sustainable enough to be called a fully established product.

Lithium value

As of late, the lithium-ion brand is probably the highly-valued battery in the market. However, even it has some challenges to contend with. Although this type of merchandise has been considered superior compared to its predecessors, a lot of room for improvement is seen.

As a top contender in the electronic world, lithium-ion batteries have a considerably low atomic mass which is third only to hydrogen and helium gases. Due to this, this item has high power-to-weight and charge-to-weight ratios.

Notably, its solo third electron is a vital element in the way energy is processed among electronic instruments and related items. Aside from powering gadgets, its reverse flow of taking back the said electron commences for recharging purposes.

Amid the remarkable contributions of the lithium-ion batteries comes the lingering issue these components have been troubled with ever since. In time, its power generation and charging properties will diminish.

Seeking alternatives

With the rest of the globe seeking to adopt renewable sources of energy and looking to de-carbonize concerned industries, the utilization of batteries is a significant part of the process which is why the sustaining power of such products definitely count.

While it is good news that electronic companies have invested in the continued development of better batteries, it must be reiterated that the time to bring up a piece with a tested longevity potential. With a shift in renewable energies, stored energy packs will be in high demand soon.

Resource availability

Initially, future batteries need to have properties that are readily available. Lithium may be on top of the heap right now but in few years, there is the possibility that the element will be difficult to find. With the current demand gaining steam, it is likely that the reserves will be spent rapidly.

In fact, China is holding around 60% of the element. Considering the geopolitics between the West and Beijing, shortages in Europe may arise. Although, probable mining sites have been targeted in Spain and Serbia, operating there can be difficult due to the environmental concerns of the residents there.

Among the alternatives that are presently under development is the sodium-sulfur battery. A product initiated at the University of Texas, the elements involved are widely available. In addition to being environmentally inherent, both are not expensive to acquire and process.

Extended energy

Lastly, future batteries should eliminate, if possible, the memory impact on storage packs. Considering that the multiple charging habit is something that is a given among users, perhaps a better way of keeping the energy potential close to its maximum for a longer period will be designed.

A graphene polymer item called Grabat is one promising product which introduces higher density with a short charging period. Its usefulness will highly likely be considered especially with the electric car market gaining ground.?