Batteries have become a significant part of the present-day world and serve as a vital component in numerous devices. However, with the advancements in technology, limitations have come to the forefront, majorly regarding the composition of electrodes in the batteries, hindering innovation instead of enabling it. The conventional lithium-ion batteries have presented sustainability problems, including the deterioration of resources and hazardous impacts to human beings and the environment. As a consequence of this, the focus has now been shifted to developing batteries with materials possessing increasingly desirable characteristics. One example of such a material is graphene. Graphene is a material made of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb-like latticed structure, precisely a single atom thick. Its other significant characteristics include a high surface area, high conductivity due to relatively high electron mobility, and high strength due to its internal make-up. All these properties are indicative of the reason behind graphene holding a great amount of potential for application and use in an energy space or energy industry.
Graphene’s present-day manifestation in the energy industry
As per their present-day manifestation, conventional batteries like lithium-ion batteries cannot continue to be used as a primary method of storage of portable energy and are in no way a sustainable energy storage solution. In actual terms, the mere use of rare materials such as lithium for batteries in itself is a violation of the true meaning of sustainability, which is the preservation of resources for use in future. Now that it is clear that the currently used batteries are not a solution for catering long term needs, research has been focusing on developing alternative and more sustainable batteries. Since the material of the batteries makes the most difference, the utilisation of material that is novel yet sustainable can be used to increase the efficacy of battery designs for the energy industry. Graphene as a suitable material for batteries is the newest and the most significant development in the energy space that functions as a one-stop solution for developing batteries in the energy industry.
The unique structure of graphene
Graphene, with its unique foundational structure, has a better surface area coverage and high heat and electrical conductivity, accompanied by other useful properties. The testing of graphene in the electronic and the energy industry has consistently demonstrated improved efficiency while simultaneously addressing the issue of sustainability posed by batteries made of lithium. Functioning is an important factor; however, batteries now play a greater role in our society that make it imperative for them to represent a sustainable technology and take into account the quality of life of future generations.
Conclusion
Graphene’s two-dimensional structure, above all, minimises the slightest of defects that it might possess and has made contributions in terms of quality beyond strength, making it an extremely appealing choice for the energy field. In addition to this, graphene also helps induce traits that are desirable in other combinational materials that can be used in conjunction with graphene to improve the functionality of the batteries. C6 energy focuses on making its contribution to a sustainable energy space through its graphene batteries, which are the most suitable replacement for lithium-ion batteries.