Which alternative battery technologies could power the future?

Here are five leading alternative battery technologies that could power the future. 1. Advanced Lithium-ion batteries Lithium-ion batteries can be found in almost every electrical item we use daily – from our phones to our wireless headphones, toys, tools, and electric vehicles.

What are alternative batteries?

In addition, alternative batteries are being developed that reduce reliance on rare earth metals. These include solid-state batteries that replace the Li-Ion battery’s liquid electrolyte with a solid electrolyte, resulting in a more efficient and safer battery.

Why is battery technology important?

Battery technology has emerged as a critical component in the new energy transition. As the world seeks more sustainable energy solutions, advancements in battery technology are transforming electric transportation, renewable energy integration, and grid resilience.

What are the different types of batteries?

These technologies include sodium-ion, magnesium-ion, zinc-ion, and lithium-sulfur batteries. Each alternative has potential advantages, such as lower cost, higher safety, or increased energy density, but it also faces challenges.

What's going on in the battery industry?

From more efficient production to entirely new chemistries, there's a lot going on. The race is on to generate new technologies to ready the battery industry for the transition toward a future with more renewable energy. In this competitive landscape, it’s hard to say which companies and solutions will come out on top.

Are single-use batteries bad for the environment?

However, single-use batteries can create immense waste and harmful environmental impacts. At the Battery Research and Innovation Hub at Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials, we are doing important research into alternative battery technologies, aiming to reduce waste and re-use battery systems as we work towards a circular economy.