Next-Gen Battery Innovation: A 40% Energy Density Boost
Experts from South Korea and Canada have developed a new battery cathode that promises to be both more affordable and higher-performing than the ones commonly used in current lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, and Canada’s McGill University achieved this breakthrough by utilizing manganese-based disordered rock-salts(DRX).
Their findings show a remarkable 40% improvement in energy density, meaning the amount of electricity that can be stored relative to the battery’s mass or volume. More importantly, the scientists estimate that this technology could reduce battery costs by 20%, as they have eliminated the expensive materials in the production process.
Developing next-generation cathodes that do not require nickel and cobalt, minerals that are heavily sourced from China, could prepare countries for potential resource weaponisation, enhancing the global competitiveness of their industries.
