Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H) researchers have developed an alternative for lithium-ion batteries — a dual carbon battery. It is more sustainable and low cost. This battery may find potential use in high-voltage applications, sophisticated battery-run medical devices, regenerative braking systems in electric vehicles, and stationary grids.
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are projected to meet future electric mobility, electric aviation, and stationary grid energy storage targets within 2030. However, LIBs need toxic and costly metals.
“The advantage of these batteries is that they don’t use any toxic, heavy, and costly metals such as cobalt, nickel, manganese as a current collector. These metals are not easily available in India.
The batteries use carbon as an active material thereby making it 25% cheaper and lighter,” said Surendra Kumar Martha, associate professor, department of chemistry, and lead investigator of the research team. In the dual carbon battery, developed by IIT-H, the researchers have utilized self-standing carbon fiber mats as both electrodes (cathode and anode).
