Because lithium-ion batteries are able to store a significant amount of energy in such a small package, charge quickly and last long, they became the battery of choice for new devices. But new battery technologies are being researched and developed to rival lithium-ion batteries in terms of efficiency, cost and sustainability.
Despite the continuing use of lithium-ion batteries in billions of personal devices in the world, the energy sector now accounts for over 90% of annual lithium-ion battery demand. This is up from 50% for the energy sector in 2016, when the total lithium-ion battery market was 10-times smaller.
The biggest concerns — and major motivation for researchers and startups to focus on new battery technologies — are related to safety, specifically fire risk, and the sustainability of the materials used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, namely cobalt, nickel and magnesium.
These next-generation batteries may also use different materials that purposely reduce or eliminate the use of critical materials, such as lithium, to achieve those gains. The components of most (Li-ion or sodium-ion [Na-ion]) batteries you use regularly include: A current collector, which stores the energy.
But new battery technologies are being researched and developed to rival lithium-ion batteries in terms of efficiency, cost and sustainability. Many of these new battery technologies aren’t necessarily reinventing the wheel when it comes to powering devices or storing energy.
Biological batteries, such as microbia l and enzy me batteries, generate electricity through biochemical reactions. Che mical batteries, like lead-acid batteries (LAB), nickel-metal hy dride reactions. Chemical power batteries, characterized by environmental friend liness, high safety, and high