Comprehending potential ways to improve batteries for green energy storage
While the performance of batteries is increasing to a great extent, there is still a scope for improvement to improve cost-efficiency, promote sustainability and decarbonisation. In terms of the transportation sector, electromobility or electric vehicles have become the best solution towards decarbonisation. In the energy sector, both solar and wind energy are gaining importance, which is evident by the fact that a quarter of the world’s power generation can now be accredited to the green energy sources. Here are some ways to improve batteries for green energy storage;
1. Alternatives to electrode materials that are scarce for improved battery energy density and reduced negative impact on the environment
The present-day batteries are made of some critical elements like manganese, nickel and cobalt, given the way in which they work towards improving the overall electrical performance of the batteries. The fact that these elements are distributed unevenly around the globe is one of the main causative factors of a negative impact on the environment. This uneven distribution also leads to the development of risks in the supply chain management of these elements and further contributes to both long-and short-term volatility in price. In addition to this, the questionable impact of sourcing these materials on the society and the environment must also be taken into careful consideration.
2. Execution of battery self-healing mechanisms for improved life and lesser impact on the environment.
The phenomenon that allows for batteries to both store and provide energy as per demand is also equally responsible for mechanisms that act oppositely to reduce the performance of the battery and negatively impact the environment. The self-healing approach utilises polymers that repair on their own via interface reconstruction or through interactions of the supramolecular type. There is extensive ongoing research in the area and is important for avoiding the frequent re-manufacturing of batteries and longer life span for the promotion of green energy and cleaner environment.
3. Developing efficient manufacturing procedures that are improved to be cost-effective
Although the costs of battery production are reducing, it is still known to be higher than solar and wind energy. This is mainly due to the battery manufacturing processes that are highly energy-intensive such as co-precipitation and calcination for battery electrode production.
The best solution for this would be to utilize the green energy from the renewable sources of energy which are cost-effective and environment-friendly, given the reduced green-house gas emissions.
Conclusion
There are only a few ways known to ensure the viability and sustainability of the batteries. C6 Energy uses the most innovative technology along with sustainable material that is a necessity for manufacturing batteries with the least adverse impact on the environment and the society.
Biomass gasification: Producing sustainable energy from waste
Gasification is a process involving thermal conversion with applications in multiple sectors involving the generation of both heat, power and feedstock along with other aspects of chemical manufacturing in a flexible manner. A wide range of waste and biomass gasification technologies have been established over the years. However, the field is constantly expanding and evolving and continues to emerge as a highly effective process in the market for optimum utilization of waste to generate power. Biomass gasification is the process of converting solid fuel, i.e., biomass into a producer gas, also referred to as a combustible gas through thermo-chemical reactions occurring in a sequence.
The research for improvising biomass gasification has been occurring since the 1980s and has been increasingly practiced in the developing countries, for the purpose of achieving power and energy security. The entire field of waste and biomass gasification is undergoing a structural transformation. Especially, with a rise in awareness of climate issues, a worldwide transition towards renewable sources of energy is becoming significant. Research and interest in the effective use of resources is continuing to rise with the rise of a valued commodity like biogenic carbon. In contrast to this backdrop, opportunities are consistently opening up for novel gasification technologies that help upgrade waste and biomass into value added products.
Biomass gasification represents technology that is assembled using three types of vital components: a handling system for feedstock for appropriate preparation, a reactor, gas separation and a clean-up setup. The arrangement and design of parts in the technology is greatly dependent on the feedstock. Till date, the development of advanced procedures for an improved application of the biomass gasification technique for production of synthesis gas also known as syngas has been a great competitor for the conventional fossil fuels.
The gasifiers can be categorised into an updraft and a downdraft gasifier that are the types of a fixed bed gasifier. In addition to this, a fluidised bed gasifier (circulating type and bubbling type) and an entrained flow gasifier can also be used. In the present time, the production of gas from the above-mentioned gasification process supports chemical as well as power/energy production, with an even brighter future predicted to be of impeccable energy generation.
Conclusion
Gasification can prove to be a breakthrough technology, with a combination of advantages that are focused towards environmental benefits in terms of natural/bio gas production, and most importantly the regeneration of waste as an important source of energy. C6 Energy’s technology focuses on utilising agricultural waste for the production of green and sustainable energy for a brighter future with a cleaner environment.
Graphene enabled batteries: A silver lining in the concept of renewable energy
With renewable energy becoming increasingly prominent, the sustainable storage of energy via batteries has become a topic of interest for scientists and researchers all over the world. Since the generation of energy from renewable sources of energy such as hydro, wind and solar does not meet with the energy demands completely, collaborating this type of renewable energy generation with graphene technology for batteries can yield highly effective outcomes. Especially with the rise in demand for electric vehicles, a larger number of companies are looking to develop novel ways for cost-effective yet higher and more reliable storage of energy. Lithium-ion is one of the conventional batteries that have been in use for a longer period of time but are not a suitable choice for applications on a larger scale. Graphene has therefore become one of the most researched materials because of the immense amount of potential it has to offer, especially when combined with the potential of renewable energy storage and its benefits.
A Graphene enabled future
Graphene and related materials have significantly appealing properties including a high surface area, high level of porosity, extensively light-weight, flexible and high in strength for improved and effective storage and transportation. In addition to this, it is also a high potency conductor of both thermal and electrical energy. It has also been known that graphene in its membrane form, when illuminated with solar energy or simply sunlight, can conduct protons at a higher rate than usual. This type of a phenomenon and effect can be used to imitate the process of photosynthesis and harvest solar energy (renewable energy) directly. Such a process can lead to production of gases such as the hydrogen gas which can be furthermore used as a fuel to power electric vehicles through batteries. Graphene enabled batteries will therefore prove to be highly cost effective if used for electric vehicles. With the increasing demand of energy, solar energy is becoming a great alternative, however, its efficiency is yet not up to the mark and photovoltaic or solar cells are pricey to produce and then install. But with the advent of Graphene material, its layered coating on the solar cells and graphene batteries in itself are the best choice for a future empowered by renewable energy.
Conclusion
Graphene enabled batteries are less expensive, highly effective and promote renewable energy storage and consumption. Its flexibility, mechanical & chemical strength and light-weight imparts high efficacy as a source of renewable power to the Graphene enabled batteries. C6 Energy Graphene material and patented Graphene battery technology is a stepping stone towards a future enabled with only the renewable power sources for innovative and environment-friendly technology such as the electric vehicles of the automotive industry.
What is the importance of safety in batteries and what makes graphene batteries highly safe?
Batteries have certainly come a long way, wherein better technology and improved design have significantly contributed to their storage and safety. The safety aspect is very important; however, the righteous use of the batteries must be understood well to avoid adverse outcomes. In a wide range of industries worldwide, be it the automobile industry, the telecom industry or the space and defence industry, optimization of battery safety is vital for successful operational functioning. In a consistently evolving era of clean energy, the utilization of power storage has replaced conventional technologies based on fossil fuels, especially in the automobile and transportation industry. This highlights the importance of safety and security in batteries and a better storage capacity that makes battery technology indispensable. With every passing day, novel technology is being introduced and developed that strives to improve the batteries’ safety.
Why is graphene material safe?
The material used for developing electrodes, i.e., cathode and anode, is the major safety factor. This is because, in a battery, the cathodes and anodes are responsible for conductivity. The material used to develop and further integrate the battery ultimately decides its safety. Particularly, the incorporation of mitigation technology and the use of graphene instead of conventional materials like lithium, backed by the latest technology, is transforming battery technology. Graphene is an allotrope of carbon, wherein the arrangement is a honeycomb-like latticed structure. This design and layout of the carbon atoms in graphene material allow it to conduct a high quantity of electricity in the form of electric current. Graphene batteries also offer high heat conductivity that makes them a safer option for use industry-wide. These graphene batteries can be used in the e-vehicle industry for energy storage, smartphones, and other components of the space, transport, and telecom industry.
Safety of batteries-An important factor for industry-wide usage
In terms of electronic devices such as the smartphones, bursting of phones or other electronic devices is often a matter of concern for the consumers and poses a safety risk in terms of its use. With the advent of graphene batteries, the risk associated with safety has considerably reduced due to positive safety outcomes. Conventional batteries like Lithium-ion batteries are not designed to conduct extensively high electricity and heat and are also highly resistant. These properties negatively impact the quality and longevity of the battery. Lithium-ion batteries tend to overheat, overcharge and ultimately puncture, which is the causative factor for the imbalance of chemicals in the traditional batteries. Batteries made with graphene material do not overheat or overcharge and therefore are free from chemical imbalances resulting in a potential fire.
Conclusion
C6 Energy’s batteries made of graphene material, even in its few-layer composite form, are highly stable, stronger, and flexible, ultimately making it highly resilient to issues observed in the conventional batteries that have been in use. The safety and efficiency that graphene batteries offer also indicate the need to incorporate these batteries in a wider range of industries and their products for better results and performance outcomes.
Why is the efficiency of batteries a significant factor, and what role does technology play in it?
The composition of the battery, especially the chemical composition, plays an important role in deciding the efficiency of the battery. This composition of the battery is extensively delicate. The active type of materials presents within the cell function in an integrated manner to determine the efficiency of a particular battery. Usage of potentially harmful chemicals, for example, cobalt, greatly affects the efficiency of the battery. The incorrect utilization of batteries results in unwanted outcomes, such as thermal runaway and electrode degradation that ultimately results in rupturing of the battery or a potential fire. The right choice of materials used in the right combination can extensively improve the batteries’ efficacy and improve other functions like conductivity, performance, and longevity.
The components of the battery that decide the efficacy
A battery is developed by properly integrating the restorative materials inclusive of anode, cathode and electrolyte. The advantages and disadvantages of each component vary, wherein the combination of these materials or components are the deciding factor of the extent of efficacy that a battery can offer. The proper testing of these components is essential to yielding optimized outcomes in terms of effectiveness. One of the major components of a battery is an anode and offers high energy storage that is retained over time in a battery. This increased storage capacity of an anode contributes to the overall efficiency of the battery. Like an anode, a cathode must also ideally have a high capacity and must hold the capability of reversing the chemical processes without compromising the functioning of the battery.
The significance of efficient batteries backed by technological advancements
The anode, cathode and electrolytic solution made of the right material contribute to the efficacy of a battery. The battery’s efficiency is a significant factor because it is indicative of the level of conductivity and performance a battery has to offer. The components and materials that are integrated to develop the battery decide this efficiency. Graphene is a material that provides extensively high heat and electrical conductivity, surface area and ultimately high performance and effectiveness. With the advancements in technology, the testing of materials that are most suitable for developing an efficiently functioning battery is on the rise to yield positive outcomes in terms of performance. Cobalt is a material that has been seen to be extensively utilized in conventional batteries like Lithium-ion batteries. However, it has been recently discovered that cobalt has deteriorating effects on the environment and its usage in batteries act as a challenge in attaining a sustainable environment. Therefore, it is important to increasingly utilize materials like graphene to develop stable, flexible and cost-efficient batteries and support the notion of a sustainable environment.
Conclusion
The material for batteries must be chosen righteously and optimized well for the appropriate application. The accurate combinations of anode, cathode, and electrolyte drive the enhancement of the battery’s quality and efficiency. C6 energy’s graphene batteries offer high efficiency, developed using the best technology to yield positive outcomes for all the users.
What industries are graphene batteries revolutionising!
Graphene is made up of carbon atoms in a two-dimensional fashion arranged in a latticed design. It has recently come to the belief that graphene has a vital role in diverse industrial sectors, given its remarkable electrical and physical characteristics. These remarkable properties of graphene include high mobility of charge in its internal makeup, high conductivity, and comparatively very low resistance. All these properties are vital for a battery to yield high performance, for example, preventing overheating and potential fires. Also, the level of conductivity that graphene offers improvises the electrochemical characteristics of the batteries’ electrodes. This outcome is increased energy density level and capability to store a revolutionary amount of energy for industrial purposes.
Novel graphene battery technology
The novel graphene battery technology serves a widespread range of applications in industries. The number of applications of graphene batteries has increased with an increase in the everyday usage of electronic devices like phones and laptops, which require a more durable and dependable battery. Graphene batteries have, therefore, revolutionised the electronics industry due to a drastic increment in its use of electronic devices, mostly the portables ones. These novel solutions for the storage of energy facilitated by graphene batteries can be seen to be put into use for vehicles that operate on electricity.
Revolution of the electronics industry
This is a revolution for this industry because the most eminent challenge the electronics industry faces is the rate at which batteries of these vehicles get charged. Additionally, graphene batteries are also a critical step towards developing environment-friendly solutions towards ecosystem or environment-related issues faced by the society in the present time, making these batteries a top choice for industries that support the concept of sustainable development and also conduct all industrial processes with respect to achieving a greener and more sustainable revolution for industries. This is indicative of the increasing demand and trend of graphene batteries in the electronics industry, especially the industry for portable electronics that serve to increase the lifespan of smartphones by many folds while also permitting faster charging than other conventional batteries like lithium-ion batteries. This revolution of the smartphone industry was previously being halted due to the limitations of such batteries.
Institutionalising graphene batteries to diverse industries
Industries like space and defence, biomedicine, automobiles and numerous other industries have increasingly started to rely on graphene batteries in order to operate in the most efficient way possible. The development and application of graphene batteries on a more commercialised scale is important from an industrial point of view because conventionally used batteries like the lithium-ion batteries have energy-related limitations. This can be revolutionised with the institution of graphene batteries.
Conclusion
C6 energy has been consistently working towards increasing the manufacture and implementation of graphene batteries that have the potential to push advancements of technology in areas that have never been thought of before, curating high efficiency. Most importantly, the minimalistic environmental impacts of these batteries make it a promising contribution towards sustainability and viability in the industrial sector.