Lithium Sulfur Battery: 'Delhi To Mumbai On A Single Charge', Claim Indian Researchers Behind New Battery Tech
Shiv Nadar University and Institution of Eminence IoE have introduced novel Lithium-Sulfur Li-S batteries. The new technology by the university claims that the resulting battery is cheaper sustainable and has three times higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries.
In the pursuit of a new and improved battery technology, Shiv Nadar University and Institution of Eminence (IoE) have introduced novel Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) batteries. The new technology by the university claims that the resulting battery is cheaper, sustainable and has three times higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries.
The new Li-S battery technology is a result of five years of work by Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry, Dr Bimlesh Lochab. The technology highlights a sustainable method of battery production, with constituents like Sulfur - a by-product of petroleum industry and cardanol - an agro-waste element.
"The research focuses on principles of green chemistry to find a solution that addresses requirements of industries and the environment, simultaneously,¡± Lochab told PTI in a report.
For the development of a Li-S battery prototype from the research, Lochab¡¯s team partnered with Dr Sagar Mitra, Professor in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.
The novel battery
(Representative Image: Reuters)
Now published in Scientific Reports, the project aimed to develop a more efficient battery than the existing ones in an environment-friendly and sustainable manner. The researchers thus came up with the idea of using a new and improved cathode for a Lithium-Sulfur battery configuration.
The new battery technology synthesised a bio-based molecule, which can be produced on a commercial-scale. As for the cathode, the researchers used cardanol as an unconventional choice for it. The resulting Li-S battery exhibited enhanced capacity retention and longer battery life in a much smaller battery unit than before.
Interestingly, both the Sulfur and the cardanol used in the battery were not specifically produced for the battery. While the former was sourced from industrial waste, the latter came from easily available bio-renewable feed-stock. The sustainability of the production process is thus guaranteed.
Advantages over existing batteries
(Representative Image: Reuters)
Lochab highlighted the potential of the new Li-S battery, claiming that it has ¡°the capability of three times more energy density¡± as compared to the conventional lithium-ion batteries. In addition, she promises it to be much safer too.
That is because of a eugenol copolymer (derived from clove oil) used in the battery. The element is environmentally sustainable, halogen-free, flame-retardant, and thus reduces the combustible tendency of the battery, making it much safer to use.
Lochab explained the practicality of the new battery through an example -
"For example, an electric car with a 400 km range using conventional Lithium-ion batteries can now quadruple its range to 1600 km on a single charge with this technology, while being compact in size and much safer to use than traditional Lithium-ion batteries. To put this in perspective, it could mean driving from Delhi to Mumbai on a single charge and still being left with power," she said.
Now that is a range that will make EVs much more appealing to the masses. All thanks to a much awaited battery innovation, right in our own country.
