This post is also available in:
עברית (Hebrew)
Engineers at Monash University have made a significant breakthrough in battery technology with the development of an ultra-fast charging lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery. This innovative battery technology, capable of powering long-haul electric vehicles (EVs) and commercial drones, promises to double the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries while being lighter, more affordable, and more efficient, according to TechXplore.
For years, lithium-sulfur batteries faced challenges with slow charging speeds, preventing their widespread adoption despite their potential. However, the Monash team, led by Ph.D. candidate Maleesha Nishshanke and Dr. Petar Jovanović, has found a way to drastically accelerate both charge and discharge rates, making these batteries a viable option for real-world applications in industries like aviation, maritime, and transportation. Their research, published in Advanced Energy Materials, marks a major leap forward in the development of sustainable, high-performance battery technologies.
The batteries have immense potential to significantly influence the car industry. Using Li-S batteries, an EV could travel an additional 1,000 kilometers on a single charge, while reducing the time needed to recharge to just a few hours. This could enable long-distance travel, without the range anxiety associated with current EV batteries.
However, the technology’s applications go beyond cars. Monash’s Li-S batteries could also power commercial drones. The batteries are especially beneficial in fields that require lightweight power solutions without compromising performance, such as aviation, where batteries need to handle high power demands during takeoff and cruising.
The new Li-S battery is also an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. It uses sulfur, a more abundant and sustainable material, and avoids the use of environmentally harmful elements like cobalt, commonly found in lithium-ion batteries.
As the global demand for high-performance batteries grows, Monash’s innovation places Australia in a leading position within the burgeoning lithium-sulfur battery market.
