New research from Singapore’s Nanyang Technology University promises to lead to a new type of battery, one which may replace commonplace lithium ion technology within a few years.
Researchers from Nanyang Technology University in Singapore have developed a new generation of battery that charges faster and lasts longer.
The team, led by associate professor Chen Xiaodong, believes the futuristic technology will have a lifespan of more than 20 years – 10 times longer than existing lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, the new batteries will charge faster, reaching 70 per cent capacity in just two minutes.
The breakthrough is likely to have broad implications for the devices such as mobile phones and cameras, as well as power packs used by expeditioners and even electric vehicles.
Whereas traditional lithium-ion batteries contain a graphite anode, the new type replaces this with a gel composed of titanium dioxide nanotubes that take up less room (allowing for greater storage capacity) and speed up charging.
The durability of the new batteries could also drastically reduce toxic waste.
Dr Sharath Sriram, a senior lecturer at RMIT’s School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, said the experimental stage shows great potential.
“They achieved superior cycling capacity which they demonstrated over 10,000 cycles, showing the material can work very well for long life-time lithium ion batteries,” he explained.
According to the research report published in German-based journal Advanced Materials, a private company is already licensing the technology with a view to releasing the batteries to the public in two years.
The invention is also being endorsed by the co-inventor of the lithium-graphite anode, professor Rachid Yazami.