Chapter 1: Introduction to Eternal Batteries

Recently, I faced the hassle of replacing my phone due to a battery failure. To be precise, the battery swelled, damaging the internal components and posing an explosion risk. Quite the thrill, right? Unfortunately, this is a common experience, and many of you can likely relate. The real concern lies in the environmental ramifications of such a short battery lifespan, especially if we want to adopt eco-friendly technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy. The potential for producing vast amounts of electronic waste and the harmful effects of mining are alarming. Fortunately, researchers from the University of New South Wales and Yokohama National University have published findings on a solid-state battery with a potentially infinite lifespan. Could this innovation resolve our battery longevity challenges?

Before diving deeper into this remarkable study, let’s briefly review what a solid-state battery is and how traditional batteries degrade.

Most batteries on the market utilize lithium-ion technology. These batteries consist of two electrodes (a positive and a negative) along with a gel-like electrolyte and a separator. The electrolyte facilitates the movement of lithium ions (atoms that have lost an electron) between the electrodes, which is essential for the battery's ability to store and release energy. In contrast, solid-state batteries replace the gel-like electrolyte with a solid ceramic or glass variant. These denser materials enhance energy density and may allow for faster charging, making them particularly advantageous for long-range EVs, battery-operated planes, and even ships!

Now, what about battery degradation? Over time, lithium ions can absorb stray electrons at the positive electrode, depositing as raw lithium metal and depleting the available lithium ions. This buildup reduces the battery's capacity. Additionally, these lithium deposits can form spiky structures called dendrites that grow toward the negative electrode. If they reach that side, they can cause a short circuit, leading to catastrophic battery failure.

This dendrite issue is why your smartphone's battery tends to degrade significantly after just a year or two of use, and why purchasing an older EV may not be wise. The situation is even more critical for solid-state batteries, as dendrites can penetrate the solid electrolyte, causing it to crack—similar to roots breaking through concrete—rendering the cell ineffective. As a result, many solid-state batteries do not last long enough to be practical.

This is where the recent research comes into play. The innovative scientists have identified a positive electrode material for solid-state cells that is so stable it does not allow rogue electrons, potentially leading to a battery that lasts indefinitely. At least, that is their claim.

To validate this remarkable electrode, they constructed a small 300 mAh cell and conducted tests. After 400 charging cycles, it maintained its original capacity of 300 mAh, demonstrating no degradation whatsoever! For context, this is akin to driving a Tesla Model 3 LR for 132,000 miles without any decline in battery capacity. In comparison, Tesla batteries typically lose around 12% capacity over that distance.

The researchers assert this indicates their battery could endure an essentially infinite number of charge cycles, which would be transformative for the industry.

Imagine if EVs could utilize this technology. Such a battery would prolong an EV's lifespan significantly before it needs to be discarded. The production of EVs and their batteries involves considerable carbon emissions and environmentally damaging mining practices, so extending battery life could enhance the eco-friendliness of the EV sector. Additionally, the current second-hand EV market is precarious, as high-mileage EVs might be rendered useless. However, with this new battery, affordable, used, high-mileage EVs could remain functional, allowing more individuals to drive without emissions.

The same principle applies to grid-level batteries, which are crucial for renewable energy systems but typically last only around 20 years. Although this is not a pressing issue yet, as no grid batteries have surpassed this age, it will become relevant in the coming decade. Replacing these batteries will lead to increased carbon emissions and further environmental harm. With the advent of this new battery, such replacements may become unnecessary, thereby lowering the overall carbon footprint of renewable energy.

Moreover, solid-state batteries could pave the way for zero-emission shipping and aviation. Both sectors demand high energy density, and existing battery technology is too bulky. Solid-state batteries, however, meet these requirements. If both industries shift to battery power, we could see a reduction of billions of kilograms of carbon emissions annually.

So, will these immortal batteries change the world? There’s potential.

Further research is necessary to determine if these electrodes can genuinely last forever. Testing only 400 charge cycles on a single cell does not provide enough data for confirmation. Other factors also warrant consideration: how quickly do these cells charge? Are they safe? What will the costs be? Nonetheless, it appears these brilliant researchers have discovered a method for creating exceptionally durable, energy-efficient batteries. The implications of such technology could significantly impact our efforts to protect the environment.

This video discusses a breakthrough battery that can endure one million miles and withstand extreme temperatures.

This video explores a revolutionary battery that boasts five times the power of conventional lithium-ion batteries.