Lithium-ion batteries have been a boon for the modern world -- they've replaced the heavier, single-use alkaline type in everything from wristwatches
to jumbo jets. Unfortunately, these rechargeable cells are already
struggling to keep up with our ever-increasing energy needs. But a new
type of aluminum-ion battery developed at Stanford University is not
only less explode-y than lithium, but also can be built at a fraction of
the price and recharges completely in just over a minute.
Best of all, "Our new battery won't catch fire, even if you drill
through it," Stanford chemistry professor Dai Hongjie boasted in a recent release.
Unlike earlier aluminum batteries, which generally failed after only
about 100 recharge cycles, Stanford's prototype can cycle more than
7,500 times without any capacity loss -- 7.5 times longer than your
average li-ion. The aluminum-ion cell isn't perfect (yet) as it can only
produce about 2 volts, far less than the 3.6V that lithium-ion an
muster. Plus aluminum cells only carry 40 watts of electricity per
kilogram compared to lithium's 100 to 206 W/kg power density. "Improving
the cathode material could eventually increase the voltage and energy
density," said Dai. "Otherwise, our battery has everything else you'd
dream that a battery should have: inexpensive electrodes, good safety,
high-speed charging, flexibility and long cycle life. I see this as a
new battery in its early days. It's quite exciting."
Source: Stanford University
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