Scientists Create Breakthrough Battery for Massless Energy Storage

What is a Structural Battery?

A structural battery is an energy storage device that can also serve as a structural component. This means it can bear weight and contribute to the physical integrity of a system, rather than just storing power. For example, if the framework of a house were made of batteries, or if an electric fence could also support a wall, that would be a structural battery in action.

This concept has been a long-term goal for researchers aiming to make energy storage more efficient and integrated into everyday objects. In recent breakthroughs, scientists have developed a structural battery that is 10 times better than any previous version.

How Does It Work?

The new structural battery was created by layering a buffer glass fabric between a positive and negative electrode. This structure is then packed with a space-age polymer electrolyte and cured in an oven. The result is a tough, flat battery cell that conducts electricity well and can withstand tensile tests in all directions.

The battery’s multifunctionality—being both an energy storage device and a structural material—makes it significantly more efficient than traditional batteries. This innovation has been in development since 2007, but the latest version represents a major leap forward.

Potential Applications

The primary application for this technology is in electric vehicles. Traditional batteries take up a lot of space and add significant weight to cars, which requires special design considerations. However, with a structural battery, the car's frame could also store energy, reducing overall weight and improving efficiency.

Chalmers University of Technology explains that the current version of the battery has an energy density of 24 Wh/kg, which is about 20% of the capacity of today’s lithium-ion batteries. However, because it reduces vehicle weight, less energy is needed to move the car, leading to increased safety and efficiency.

In terms of stiffness, the battery measures 25 GPa, which is competitive with many common construction materials. This makes it suitable for use in a variety of applications beyond just cars.

Future Improvements

Researchers are already planning the next steps to improve the battery further. They aim to replace the aluminum foil used in the electrodes with carbon fiber material and thin out the separator. These changes could lead to a battery with 75 Wh/kg of energy and 75 GPa of stiffness, setting new records for massless batteries while significantly reducing their weight.

Broader Implications

Beyond electric cars, the technology could revolutionize other areas such as e-bikes, satellites, and laptops. There may even be unexpected applications in devices we don’t currently think of as electric.

One particularly exciting potential use is in aircraft. Current battery technology is too heavy to make fully electric planes viable. However, structural batteries could change this by providing a lightweight, energy-storing solution. This could enable both regular airplanes and vertical takeoff and landing vehicles to become electric.

Additionally, these batteries could be combined with solar panels to store energy collected during the day for later use. This opens up new possibilities for renewable energy integration in transportation and other industries.

Conclusion

The development of a massless structural battery marks a significant step forward in energy storage technology. By combining energy storage with structural support, this innovation has the potential to transform not only electric vehicles but also a wide range of other technologies. As research continues, we may see even more advanced versions of these batteries that push the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable energy solutions.