‘Dual-ion batteries represent an interesting high voltage alternative to the currently dominant lithium-ion batteries.’
The Battery Materials and Energy Storage Laboratory (the Battery Lab) has been opened at the Australian National University (ANU), Canberra, Australia. The world-class facility will focus on research into lithium-ion batteries. Specific work will include optimising ‘battery enabling materials’, providing characterisation and testing, and assessing recycling and re-use options. The facility will also investigate other sustainable batteries.
According to forecasts from Bloomberg New Energy Finance, the lithium-ion battery market will be worth $116 billion annually by 2030. However, it is not clear if the dramatic expansion in the use of batteries can be sustained by lithium-ion battery technology alone. A feasible strategy is to complement their use with alternative battery solutions that use more sustainable materials and chemicals. The Battery Lab, part of the Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program at ANU, is also tasked with researching post-lithium storage technologies.
The Battery Materials and Energy Storage Laboratory is collaborating with national and international partners, including MEET Battery Centre, the University of Münster, Germany, to conduct a range of research including lithium-ion, sodium-ion and potassium-ion batteries, hybrid capacitors and super capacitors. The Battery Lab supports the characterisation, development and performance testing of battery materials, electrolytes and devices.
Dr Alexey Glushenkov, Research Lead, Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program ANU commented; ‘Dual-ion batteries represent an interesting high voltage alternative to the currently dominant lithium-ion batteries. Due to their distinct operating principles these batteries may avoid the use of critical elements such as nickel and cobalt.’
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