Not long ago, Chinese scientists made a breakthrough by developing a lithium battery capable of functioning at temperatures as low as -70°C. This innovation could soon be deployed in the coldest regions on Earth or even in space, making it seem almost like "hanging the sky." The technology has sparked excitement, but there are still challenges to overcome before it becomes widely available.
According to the research team, the new battery is not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly. However, commercialization is still years away due to its relatively low energy density compared to traditional lithium batteries. While this development is promising, it raises an important question: when will we see a true revolution in battery technology?
Currently, lithium-ion batteries power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles and grid storage systems. These three sectors—consumer electronics, automotive, and energy storage—are the main areas where people interact with batteries. Each has unique requirements. For example, a phone needs a safe, compact battery, while electric cars require high energy density, long life, and affordability. Grid storage, on the other hand, prioritizes stability over weight or size.
Despite their widespread use, lithium-ion batteries are approaching technological limits. According to Stefano Passellini, editor of Power magazine, battery development lags behind other fields because of inherent limitations. “You can’t expect a battery to power your phone for a week or more,†he said. “The energy stored in a battery is fundamentally limited by its chemical composition.â€
Since Sony introduced the first commercial lithium battery in 1991, it has remained the dominant technology. Lithium’s lightness and high energy density made it superior to older technologies like nickel and lead-acid batteries. But even today, lithium-ion batteries struggle to keep up with the growing demands of modern devices and electric vehicles.
Researchers are working hard to improve energy density, safety, and environmental impact. Some are exploring new materials, such as silicon anodes that can hold more lithium ions, or replacing lithium with elements like sodium or magnesium. Others are focusing on refining the electrode-electrolyte interface, which plays a crucial role in battery performance.
One recent breakthrough comes from Fudan University in China. A team led by Professor Xia Yongyao developed a cold-resistant battery using ethyl acetate as an electrolyte and organic compounds as electrodes. This design allows the battery to function efficiently at -70°C. The materials are abundant, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly, potentially reducing costs by up to two-thirds compared to traditional lithium batteries.
In extreme environments, such as parts of Russia and Canada, temperatures can drop below -50°C, while space can reach -157°C. At -20°C, traditional lithium batteries operate at only 50% of their peak performance, and at -40°C, they drop to just 12%. This makes the new cold-resistant battery a game-changer for future applications in harsh climates and space exploration.
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