Cobalt free lithium ion batteries
MIT researchers have now designed a battery material that could offer a more sustainable way to power electric cars. The new lithium-ion battery includes a cathode based on organic materials, instead of cobalt or nickel (another metal often used in lithium-ion batteries).
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Cobalt free lithium ion batteries have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
6 FAQs about [Cobalt free lithium ion batteries]
Can a cobalt-free battery replace a lithium-ion battery?
University of Tokyo researchers introduce a superior, cobalt-free alternative for lithium-ion batteries, offering better performance and longevity, with potential applications in various electrochemical processes. A replacement for cobalt in batteries avoids its environmental and social impacts.
What is cobalt in a lithium ion battery?
Cobalt can account for a fifth of the material in a lithium-ion cathode, which typically comes in one of two flavors: NMC (nickel manganese cobalt oxide) or NCA (nickel cobalt aluminum oxide). The cobalt in these batteries has a stabilizing effect and prevents cathode corrosion that can lead to a battery fire.
What is a cobalt-free battery cathode?
The new cobalt-free battery cathode is based on organic materials that remove the need for rare earth metals. Instead of cobalt or nickel, the new lithium-ion battery includes a cathode based on organic materials. In this image, lithium molecules are shown in glowing pink. Credit: Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Is there a cobalt-free battery?
“There is already a viable cobalt-free battery and that is lithium iron phosphate or LFP. But the main downside of LFP is low energy density and therefore driving range,” says Adham. LFP batteries have improved, leading more car manufactures to adopt the technology, which is far cheaper than batteries with cobalt.
Can cobalt-free cathodes make lithium-ion batteries cheaper?
The biggest cobalt deposits are found on the seafloor, although deep-sea mining remains a contentious issue. But even if supply turns out to be a nonissue, cobalt-free cathodes can still make lithium-ion batteries cheaper, less toxic, and more ethical than ever before.
Why should lithium ion batteries be reduced in cobalt content?
Reducing the cobalt content in lithium-ion batteries is good for the environment, human rights, and maybe even the performance of the battery itself. The lithium-ion battery is an electrochemical wunderkind.