Scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru have developed a novel battery technology that is flexible, safe, and environmentally friendly. This new battery uses aluminum, one of the most abundant metals on Earth, and a water-based solution, making it a potential alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in phones, laptops, electric vehicles, and wearable devices, but they are prone to overheating and explosion.
The new battery technology has been designed to be safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. It uses a unique cathode made from copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCFe) and an anode made from molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃), which allows it to store and release energy efficiently. The battery has been tested and shown to maintain 96.77% of its power after 150 charge-discharge cycles, indicating a minimal reduction in battery life over extended daily use.
One of the most significant features of this new battery technology is its flexibility. It can be bent or folded without breaking, making it suitable for use in wearable devices and other flexible applications. Scientists have demonstrated this by powering an LCD display continuously, even when the battery was bent at extreme angles. This could enable the development of gadgets that can be rolled up and integrated into clothing.
The use of aluminum in this battery technology is also a significant advantage. Aluminum is an abundant and environmentally friendly resource, which supports broader sustainability goals. The development of this technology represents a significant stride in multivalent ion battery technology and positions India at the forefront of developing safe, sustainable, and next-generation energy storage solutions.
The potential applications of this technology are vast and could include flexible smartphones, safer electric vehicles, and wearable devices integrated into clothing. With ongoing improvements, this battery technology could soon become standard in many aspects of our daily lives, aligning with global environmental goals. The scientists have used advanced microscopic tools to ensure the battery’s components are perfectly balanced for high performance and have rigorously tested the battery to confirm its efficiency, durability, and flexibility. Overall, this innovation has promising implications for everyday applications and could lead to the development of safer, more sustainable, and more flexible energy storage solutions.