The Future of Electric Vehicles: Graphene Batteries on the Horizon
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Chapter 1: The Evolution of Battery Technology
Have we discovered the next stage in electric vehicle battery technology, even before lithium batteries have fully replaced gasoline? The answer might be yes.
Aside from its space exploration missions, NASA is dedicated to advancing solutions for some of humanity's greatest challenges. One critical issue is creating sustainable and affordable transportation to prevent irreversible climate changes.
Currently, our green initiatives rely heavily on electric vehicles powered predominantly by lithium or cobalt batteries and advancements in biofuels. However, NASA is pioneering a more comprehensive solution: a groundbreaking battery known as SABERS, which is derived from graphene.
SABERS stands for Solid-state Architecture Batteries for Enhanced Rechargeability & Safety. This innovative technology aims to develop the ultimate power unit, which could make electric aviation feasible and transform various sectors, from public transport to personal electronics.
Developed at a research facility in Cleveland, Ohio, SABERS has removed all hazardous materials that render current batteries inefficient and risky, particularly for applications like powering commercial aircraft with over 100 passengers.
To provide context, a standard 747 requires a power density of at least 480 watt-hours per kilogram, while the best lithium batteries currently achieve only around 260 watt-hours per kilogram.
Today's hybrid vehicle batteries consist of three primary components: a cathode made from lithium and cobalt, a flammable electrolyte filling, and a graphite electrode at the base. The chemical interactions among these elements enable effective charging and electricity delivery, but they still fall short of fossil fuel efficiency. A 2016 study by the US Department of Energy estimated we are "three decades" away from matching fossil fuels using this power source.
In addition to these limitations, there is no reliable method for recycling these batteries, and the rare Earth minerals necessary for their production often lead to geopolitical tensions.
The initial prototypes of SABERS are constructed using lithium metal instead of the gel-like lithium ions. The cathode features sulfur and selenium arranged in a graphene framework, along with a unique solid material from NASA, which eliminates the flammable components found in lithium batteries.
Early tests have shown a remarkable power density of 500 watt-hours per kilogram, exceeding the minimum requirement for commercial air travel. Furthermore, the operational temperatures have not surpassed 302 degrees Fahrenheit at peak capacity, and the cooling needs are significantly lower compared to lithium-ion batteries.
This suggests we may have found a more viable alternative to fossil fuels than lithium batteries, even before ion technology has made significant progress.
"Batteries like the one NASA is developing are essential for extending the range of electric vehicles and enabling electric or hybrid-electric aircraft. It's fantastic that NASA is pushing the boundaries of next-generation battery technology," remarked Dr. Matthew T. McDowell from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
It's reassuring to realize that while NASA is focused on lunar missions, they are also addressing critical challenges we face on Earth.