The development of a regenerative oxygen-ion battery at the Vienna University of Technology may revolutionize energy storage by replacing lithium-ion batteries in critical applications.
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used as energy storage devices worldwide, but they face several issues, such as frequent overheating that can lead to fires and a decline in effectiveness over time.
Battery Extraction & Disposal’s Environmental Impacts
This battery also has significant environmental impacts. For instance, the extraction of one ton of lithium through mining requires a substantial amount of water, affecting communities near mining sites like Salar de Atacama in Chile. Additionally, lithium batteries contain potentially toxic materials like copper, nickel, and lead, and improper disposal can result in severe environmental problems.
In contrast, oxygen-ion batteries offer solutions to these challenges. According to a press release from the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), oxygen-ion batteries do not experience the same aging problems as lithium batteries, allowing them to maintain effectiveness for extended periods.
They can be manufactured using non-combustible materials and do not rely on rare elements, reducing their environmental footprint and eliminating the risk of spontaneous explosions if mishandled.
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Ongoing Research on Alternative Battery Technologies
Alexander Schmid from TU Wien’s Institute for Chemical Technologies explained that many batteries face limitations as charge carriers eventually become immobile, resulting in reduced capacity and performance after numerous charging cycles.
Oxygen-ion batteries, on the other hand, have longer lifespans and can be made from ceramic materials that are non-flammable.
However, oxygen-ion batteries have lower energy density compared to lithium batteries and operate at higher temperatures, making them less suitable for electric cars or smartphones. Nevertheless, they are considered excellent options for large-scale energy storage applications, such as temporary storage of solar or wind energy.
Schmid emphasized that in settings where a large energy storage system is required, the lower energy density and higher operating temperatures are not significant drawbacks.
Instead, the extended service life, the ability to produce these materials without relying on rare elements, and the absence of fire hazards make oxygen-ion batteries particularly valuable.
Various alternatives to lithium batteries, such as sodium-based batteries and sand batteries, are currently being researched and developed.
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