Why we still do not have a new generation of batteries?

Literally every month for many years we have heard that some company has developed a new type of battery. The news of this kind is usually said that the new battery will soon hit the market, and electronic devices such batteries can work almost years. Earlier this year, representatives of the US Department of Energy's even said that "found the holy grail battery industry."

Unfortunately, in fact, nothing has changed. Lithium-ion batteries are the same, the duration of smart watches, phones, tablets and laptops are also almost unchanged. But to create a new generation of batteries trying many startups. Part achieves some results, publishes regular news. Then, a start-up usually disappears somewhere. Coincidence or conspiracy? Rather, the first than the last.

Elon Musk, which is vital for a more capacious battery, which is engaged only in the optimization of existing technologies for the production of lithium-ion batteries. Due to this it is possible to increase the capacity of the battery by a certain percentage. But there is a limit to everything, and optimization of the battery as well.

Many researchers believe that for a new generation of batteries is necessary to use new materials and new chemical processes. Some progress has been made immigrants from MIT, founded the company SolidEnergy. This is yet another startup that is developing lithium-metal batteries, which capacity is twice the capacity of similar-sized conventional batteries. According to the company, the technology is ready for commercial use. In these batteries, the anode metal is used instead of graphite. The thickness of the layer of lithium is reduced by about five times. Between the metal anode and the cathode is a hybrid electrolyte in its composition only includes non-combustible material. According to the company, these batteries are not only higher capacity than conventional batteries, but also safer.



However, this company is developing batteries since 2012. Previously, she also stated about the possibility of the beginning of the commercial use of their batteries. Now SolidEnergy leader said that in November, the company will introduce the first battery for drones. In 2017 it is planned to establish mass production of batteries for mobile phones and handheld devices. Perhaps it will, but SolidEnergy is not the first startup that says that a new type of battery has come to the market.

The problem of the industry is still in the fact that now, as mentioned above, research in the field of batteries engaged in too many companies. It projects a huge amount - from the "foam" and liquid batteries to batteries with exotic compounds in the composition of the electrolyte. And there is no clear leader among these companies. Enthusiastic, this situation causes, and among investors, who are not too willing to give money for new projects.

A lot of money is required. "In order to create a small industrial line for the production of batteries produced by new technologies, needs about $ 500 million", - says Grady Seder, professor of materials science from the University of California (Berkeley). Scientist leads a group of researchers who are trying to find new chemical reactions that would be suitable for use in new batteries. And even if the battery is promising would be created to translate scientific work in the sphere of commerce is not so simple. Developers of mobile devices or manufacturers of electric vehicles will be tested over the years, new batteries, before taking a decision. Investments during this time did not pay off and the company-developer will be unprofitable. The scientist said that to establish an industrial line worth $ 500 million is difficult, especially when the budget for the year is $ 5 million.

And even in the case where the new technology hits the market, the manufacturer of a new type of batteries have to go through a difficult period of adaptation and finding buyers. But so far no one has reached this stage. Thus, the company Leyden Energy and A123 Systems, have developed a new technology is quite promising, and not have entered the market. They just did not have enough money for it. Two promising "energy" startup, Seeo and Sakti3, were bought by other companies. And the sum of these two transactions were much lower than what investors expected the first companies.

The largest electronics manufacturers, Samsung, LG and Panasonic, are interested more in the ongoing improvement of its products and increase the number of their functions, than in obtaining a new type of battery. So far, the process of optimization of Li-Ion batteries, created in the 70's of last century. It is hoped that SolidEnergy still will break the vicious circle. e

Source: geektimes.ru/post/279906/