Oxygen-Ion Battery: The Future of the Energy Transition?

Researchers from the Technical University of Vienna have developed a new type of oxygen-ion battery. It apparently has significantly better durability values ​​and does not require any rare earths.

Batteries are playing an increasingly important role in the energy transition. Because in the future, huge energy storage systems will have to store electricity from wind power and solar systems in order to make it available again when needed. To ensure that this works, scientists around the world are researching new battery technologies that could replace lithium-ion batteries.

A research team from the Vienna University of Technology has now succeeded in producing a new type of oxygen-ion battery. This apparently eliminates some of the disadvantages of the lithium-ion battery and could become part of the power grids of the future. The composition of the energy storage makes it possible.

Oxygen-ion battery hardly loses capacity

Because the battery uses oxygen instead of lithium as the main component. Since there is significantly more oxygen than lithium on our planet, production could also be scaled better. To ensure that this works in the long term, the researchers developed a new group of substances that enable the transport of oxygen ions.

In addition to better availability, the oxygen-ion battery also scores in other points. Because compared to lithium-ion batteries, which lose capacity over time, the system has a significantly longer service life and can therefore be used for intelligent power grids of the future.

No alternative for small devices

In the event of damage or a leak, repairs are relatively easy. This only requires refilling with oxygen. Nevertheless, use in small devices such as smartphones does not seem to be an option. Because compared to previous batteries, the energy density of the oxygen-ion battery is relatively low.

Significantly less energy can therefore be stored in the same space. In addition, the operating temperature is comparatively high at 200 degrees Celsius to 400 degrees Celsius. Nevertheless, the new approach creates an interesting and cost-effective alternative for the power grids of the future.

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