Super Aluminum Battery Research shows promise and possibilities of new tech

Ever heard of “Super Aluminum Battery”?

Made out of aluminum and graphite, the latest breakthrough in battery research could mean cleaner environment for future generations.

As we all know, batteries are used in every type of mobile electronics; anything between cellphones to electric vehicles. “Lithium-Ion” a type of battery mostly used in today’s electronics because of it’s ability to go through numerous charging and discharging cycles, allowing for prolonged use.

Scientists at Stanford University came up with viable solution that could reduce cost and pollution in battery production. Their solution is prototype battery made out of aluminum and graphite, created by “Stanford University Professor Hongjie Dai and Colleagues”. This type battery has the ability to recharge over 7,500 times, as opposed to 1,000, commonly found with Lithium-Ion. It can last longer, and it can fully recharge in just 1 min, at 2 volt capacity.

Aside from fast recharge rate, the battery itself is flexible which means it can be used in any application that requires flexibility, i.e., cellphones. Theoretically, by having an aluminum battery that can recharge thousands of times over, should reduce the manufacturing rate, hence reducing pollution. Furthermore, aluminum itself can be recycled endlessly.

Aluminum battery technology is still in early prototype stage and there are improvements to be made. Scientists still need to achieve higher voltage and energy capacity which leads me to believe from lack of density demonstration, that technology is not ready. Ability to hold charge might be it’s weak point; something that can possibly be rectified with further research and investment.

Batteries have made it possible to experience rapid advancement of technology but we should not forget about future generations. Unfortunately, pollution filled future is already here, and just one example is Beijing (China); a city clouded in smog, not just from battery production, but metal and cement.