Innovative K-Na/S Batteries for Long-Duration Energy Storage
Key Ideas
- Material scientists at Columbia University combine potassium and sodium with sulfur to create high-energy, low-cost K-Na/S batteries for long-duration energy storage.
- The batteries utilize advanced electrolytes that dissolve polysulfides and sulfides, enhancing reaction kinetics, specific capacity, energy density, and maintain 71% capacity after 1000 cycles.
- Headed by Yuan Yang, Columbia University researchers have developed a new electrolyte that enhances K/S batteries' energy density and power density, enabling operation at lower temperatures.
- Research in universities globally focuses on breakthroughs in energy storage, with MIT discovering a potential cathode material and Stanford progressing in liquid organic hydrogen carriers for energy storage.
Material scientists at Columbia University have developed innovative K-Na/S batteries for long-duration energy storage. By combining potassium, sodium, and sulfur, the batteries offer a high-energy, low-cost solution. These batteries use advanced electrolytes that dissolve polysulfides and sulfides, improving reaction kinetics and energy density. Operating at nearly theoretical capacity, they maintain 71% capacity after 1000 cycles. The research, led by Yuan Yang, has introduced a new electrolyte that enhances the energy and power density of K/S batteries, allowing operation at lower temperatures. The focus is on scaling up this technology to store large amounts of renewable energy efficiently. Additionally, universities globally are pushing boundaries in energy storage research. MIT's discovery of a disruptive cathode material and Stanford's progress in liquid organic hydrogen carriers showcase the ongoing advancements in battery technology and renewable energy storage.