Battery revolution? Calcium battery could replace lithium batteries

Researchers have developed a flexible, cost-effective calcium battery with over 700 charging cycles. The technology could one day replace lithium-ion batteries in smartphones, etc. 

In recent years, numerous new approaches have been developed for tomorrow’s battery technology. Researchers want to absorb energy from the earth or use quantum technology for future energy storage—a new approach with potential: a flexible calcium battery.

Scientists have succeeded in getting this type of storage to work at room temperature and withstand over 700 charging cycles. The remarkable thing is that batteries based on calcium air could soon replace lithium-ion technology – at a significantly lower price.

Calcium batteries are available everywhere in the world.

Although powerful lithium is often in high demand and difficult to obtain. In comparison, calcium is around 2,500 times more common. It also has another advantage because the element is available worldwide. This reduces the dependence on a few exporters.

However, until now, calcium-based batteries have only been able to function at temperatures above 75 degrees Celsius. A research team from Fudan University in Shanghai recently presented a calcium-air battery that remains stable even at room temperature for the first time. The team achieved this property by redesigning the battery and using a particular liquid electrolyte. 

Flexibility allows future use in textiles.

The anode is a skinny fiber of carbon nanotubes coated with pure, metallic calcium. This fiber is surrounded by a braid consisting of carbon nanotubes and serves as a cathode. The space between the anode and cathode is filled with a new type of salt-based electrolyte.

The battery demonstrated a high capacity of 500 milliamperes hours per gram in numerous charge and discharge cycles. This corresponds to almost 50 percent more than that of current lithium-ion batteries. A vital advantage of the technology is the flexibility that allows using carbon nanotubes. The use of textiles that can store electricity is conceivable. Sensors and electronics in intelligent clothing could be effectively supplied with electricity.