Graphene batteries: Introduction and Market News

Graphene and batteries

Graphene, a sheet of carbon atoms bonded together in a honeycomb lattice arrangement, is widely known as a “wonder material” due to the numerous remarkable properties it possesses. It is an excellent conductor of electrical and thermal energy, highly lightweight, chemically inert, and flexible, with a huge surface area. It is also regarded as eco-friendly and sustainable, with limitless possibilities for many uses.

The advantages of graphene batteries

When traditional battery electrode materials (and future ones) are augmented with graphene, they perform much better. A graphene battery can be lightweight, robust, and capable of storing large amounts of energy while also shortening charging times. Graphene improves battery life by reducing the need for carbon coatings or electrodes to achieve conductivity.

Graphene can improve battery properties like energy density and shape in a variety of ways. Introducing graphene to the anode of Li-ion batteries (and other types of rechargeable batteries) can boost their performance by leveraging the material’s conductivity and enormous surface area.

It has also been observed that developing hybrid materials can be effective for improving battery performance. A mix of Vanadium Oxide (VO2) and graphene, for example, can be employed on Li-ion cathodes to provide rapid charging and discharging as well as long charge cycle durability. In this situation, VO2 offers high energy capacity but low electrical conductivity. This can be remedied by employing graphene as a structural “backbone” on which to attach VO2, generating a hybrid material with both heightened capacity and superior conductivity.

Read about: Network Communication

Another example is LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries, which are a type of rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It has a lower energy density than conventional Li-ion batteries, but a higher power density (a measure of how quickly the battery can supply energy). By enhancing LFP cathodes with graphene, the batteries became lighter, charged more faster than Li-ion batteries, and had a higher capacity than standard LFP batteries.

The combination of graphene batteries and supercapacitors has the potential to significantly improve the driving range and efficiency of electric vehicles. While graphene batteries have not yet been widely commercialized, battery advances are being reported all around the world.

Battery basics

Batteries provide a portable source of power, allowing electricity-powered gadgets to function without being physically connected into an outlet. While there are several types of batteries, the essential premise behind how they work stays the same: one or more electrochemical cells convert stored chemical energy to electrical energy. A battery is typically composed of a metal or plastic shell that houses a positive terminal (an anode), a negative terminal (a cathode), and electrolytes that allow ions to travel between them.

A separator (a permeable polymeric membrane) acts as a barrier between the anode and cathode, preventing electrical short circuits while simultaneously permitting the transit of ionic charge carriers required to close the circuit during the passage of current. Finally, a collector is utilized for conducting the charge flows through the connected gadget rather than the battery.

When the circuit between the two terminals is completed, the battery generates power using a series of reactions. The anode undergoes an oxidation reaction in which two or more ions from the electrolyte interact with the anode to form a compound that releases electrons. At the same time, the cathode undergoes a reduction reaction, which combines the cathode substance, ions, and free electrons into compounds. Simply put, the anode reaction produces electrons, which are then absorbed by the cathode reaction, resulting in the production of electricity. The battery will continue to produce power until the electrodes run out of the substance required to create reactions.

Battery types and characteristics

Batteries are classified into two types: primary and secondary. Primary batteries (disposable) are used once and then rendered unusable because the electrode materials in them change permanently while charging. Common examples include zinc-carbon batteries and alkaline batteries, which are used in toys, flashlights, and a variety of portable gadgets. Secondary batteries (rechargeable) can be depleted and recharged several times since the electrode composition remains functional. Examples are lead-acid batteries used in automobiles and lithium-ion batteries used in portable electronics.

Batteries are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit a wide range of applications. Different types of batteries have varying advantages and downsides. Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries have a low energy density and are employed in applications requiring extended life, a high discharge rate, and low cost. They are used in a variety of applications, including video cameras and power tools. NiCd batteries are hazardous and have a negative impact on the environment.

Nickel-metal hydride batteries offer a better energy density than NiCd batteries, but their cycle life is shorter. Smartphones and laptop computers are examples of applications. Lead-acid batteries are heavy and serve an essential role in large-scale power applications when weight is less important than cost. They are common in applications such as hospital equipment and emergency illumination.

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are employed when high energy and low weight are required; nevertheless, the technology is fragile, and a protective circuit is required to ensure safety. Applications include cell phones and other types of computers. Lithium-polymerymer (Li-ion polymer) batteries are commonly seen in mobile phones. They are lighter and have a smaller profile than Li-ion batteries. They are also generally safer and have longer lifespans. However, they appear to be less common as Li-ion batteries are less expensive to make and have a better energy density.

Batteries and supercapacitors

While certain batteries can store a great quantity of energy, they are massive, heavy, and have a delayed release rate. Capacitors, on the other hand, can charge and discharge quickly but store significantly less energy than batteries. The usage of graphene in this area, however, opens up fascinating new possibilities for energy storage, with high charge and discharge rates and even economic feasibility. Graphene-improved performance blurs the traditional boundary between supercapacitors and batteries.

Graphene batteries combine the advantages of both batteries and supercapacitors

Graphene-enhanced batteries are almost here

Graphene-based batteries have intriguing promise; while they are not yet entirely commercially viable, R&D is ongoing and should deliver results in the future. Companies throughout the world (including Samsung, Huawei, and others) are creating several types of graphene-enhanced batteries, some of which are now available on the market. The primary applications are in electric vehicles and mobile devices.

Some batteries use graphene in peripheral ways, but not in the battery chemistry. In 2016, Huawei, for example, presented a novel graphene-enhanced Li-Ion battery that employs graphene to remain functional at higher temperatures (60 °C as opposed to the current 50 °C limit) and provide twice the operation time. Graphene is employed in this battery to improve heat dissipation, lowering the operating temperature by 5 degrees.

Further reading

• Introduction to graphene
• Graphene Supercapacitors
• How to invest in the graphene revolution
• The Graphene Handbook, our very own guide to the graphene market
• Graphene-Info’s graphene batteries market report
• Graphene supercapacitors market report

The latest graphene battery news:

Nanotech Energy has announced that its graphene-based batteries are available for pre-order.

It was recently announced that Nanotech Energy is offering its graphene-based 18650 cells for pre-order through its commercialization partner, Voltaplex.

The cells combine Nanotech Energy’s electrolyte and unique electrodes with Soteria metallized polymer current collectors, resulting in a significant leap in battery technology. According to the company, the end result is a 100% American-made, non-flammable lithium-ion battery pack that has shown its strength and flexibility by surviving a remarkable abuse trial.

Read the full story Posted: December 30, 2023

Nanotech Energy announces the inauguration of its graphene battery plant,  Chico 2.

Nanotech Energy has announced that graphene-based battery cells will begin full production in early 2024 at its new 150 MW manufacturing facility, Chico 2.

Nanotech Energy successfully completed trial weeks at Chico 2 throughout November and December. Almost all of the equipment is now in place at the Chico, CA, plant, and final processes are being tuned in preparation for a launch that will eventually produce 30,000 18650 battery cells daily.

Read the full story Posted: December 21, 2023

Directa Plus signs an agreement for the system to be utilized for graphene compounds.

Directa Plus has announced that it has inked an agreement with an undisclosed Italian developer to acquire technology for a system capable of producing bespoke graphene compounds. According to the company, this technology will first be used in batteries and plastics.

It claimed that the gained expertise and technology would aid in the dry encapsulation of G Plus graphene nanoplatelets into various compound carriers for a variety of demanding applications.

Read the full story Posted: December 20, 2023

NanoXplore announced the commissioning of graphene-enhanced silicon and anode active material pilot lines.

NanoXplore has announced the successful commissioning of two anode material pilot lines, which achieved impressive energy density and product validation. The company referred to this as “a pivotal moment in NanoXplore’s ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable energy storage solutions.”

NanoXplore’s unique silicon graphene technology (SiGTM) generated in the pilot line attained an energy density of 1150 Wh/L and exhibited compatibility with standard graphite anodes, resulting in over 800 Wh/L. NanoXplore stays committed to pushing the frontiers of energy storage possibilities with its revolutionary material technology. The SiGTM family is supported by 11 patents that cover various chemistries and cylindrical cell form factors.

Read the full story Posted: December 20, 2023

Nanotech Energy is looking for a new US brownfield gigafactory site.

Nanotech Energy, a developer of graphene batteries based in the United States, has announced plans to secure a new US brownfield gigafactory site early in 2024, accelerating the commercialization of graphene-based, non-flammable lithium-ion batteries.

The news follows Nanotech Energy’s successful sale of its Reno, Nevada, facility and reflects the company’s desire to meet rising client demand. It intends to use the property to build a factory capable of producing up to 6 GWh per year, marking the next stage in its mission to deliver US-made quick charging, high energy density, and fundamentally safe batteries to market. The company anticipates that the new gigafactory will be operational by 2025.

Read the full story Posted: November 23, 2023

Researchers develop an antimony alloy-based reduced graphene oxide composite for faster charging of sodium-ion batteries.

Researchers at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) have created electrode materials constructed of tin antimony alloy-based reduced graphene oxide composites that have the potential to improve energy storage in sodium-ion batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries may provide increased energy efficiency, faster charging times, resistance to severe temperatures, and protection against overheating or thermal runaway problems. They have lower toxicity because they do not rely on lithium, cobalt, copper, or nickel, which have the ability to create environmentally damaging gases in the event of a fire, according to a recent official release.

Read the full story Posted: November 14, 2023

GRAPHERGIA is a new initiative aimed at revolutionizing energy harvesting in textiles and battery technology.

A consortium of 11 partners from six European nations has launched the GRAPHERGIA project, a 3.5-year   innovation program supported by €4.5 million through Horizon Europe’s Graphene Flagship initiative.

GRAPHERGIA strives to redefine the integration of energy solutions into everyday life, transforming how we use and store energy. Its primary purpose is to create and deploy cutting-edge graphene-based materials for energy harvesting and storage systems. These advancements would allow for the scalable and cost-effective manufacture of two-dimensional (2D) material technologies for a wide range of applications.

Read the full story Posted: November 11, 2023

GMG and the University of Queensland’s partnership on graphene-enhanced batteries receives Australian Economic Accelerator funding.

The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) at the University of Queensland (UQ) and the Graphene Manufacturing Group will work together to accelerate the commercialization of graphene-enhanced batteries. The parties obtained financial assistance from the Australian Federal Government Economic Accelerator Seed Grant to boost the development of graphene aluminum-ion battery technology.

“UQ will supply the material engineering technology, and GMG has the battery fabrication facility, so together we can further develop the graphene aluminum-ion battery technology,” AIBN’s Dr. Xiaodan Huang said. “A fundamental aspect of this battery technology is its faster recharge rate and longer life.

Read the full story Posted: Oct 25, 2023

Researchers develop a method to produce improved anodes for lithium-ion batteries.

Researchers from China’s Guilin University of Electronic Technology, China Nonferrous Metals (Guilin) Geology and Mining Co., Ltd., Dalian University of Technology, and Reliability Physics and Application Technology of Electronic Component Key Laboratory have developed a method to improve the energy storage performance of lithium-ion batteries by modifying natural graphite through irradiation with a high-current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB).

The technology uses HCPEB to create self-supporting graphene without using polluting irradiation. The scientists found that graphite was instantly converted into faulty graphene structures, and the resulting graphene electrodes had outstanding lithium storage and cycling capabilities.

Read the full story Posted: Oct 23, 2023

Skeleton Technologies obtains €108 million in investment from investors like Siemens and Marubeni.

Skeleton Technologies recently completed a €108 million investment round that included Siemens Financial Services (SFS), Marubeni Corporation, and other investors. This money will help to speed the development of next-generation goods as well as finance the growth of supercapacitor manufacturing and the company’s new high-power battery technology, the SuperBattery.

Taavi Madiberk, Skeleton Technologies’ CEO and Co-Founder, stated, “Securing an investment from one of Europe’s leading tech businesses is a key milestone for Skeleton. In addition to SFS’ investment, Siemens is an important partner, supplier, and client. Their expertise in industrialization and commercial alliances will help us strengthen and solidify our position as a leader in the energy transition.”