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Recent news has revealed that a team of scientists from the CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (Bhopal) have innovated a ‘lightweight carbon foam’. This breakthrough could pave the way for replacement of lead grid in lead-acid batteries, offering a fresh dimension to the energy-storage industry. This lightweight carbon foam can deliver a higher energy density, while addressing environmental concerns more efficiently.
Avoiding Issues with Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries currently dominate the large-scale energy-storage sector. This is due to their higher energy density and longer lifecycle. However, several concerns accompany their use, such as safety risks, resource limitations, lofty costs, and an undeveloped recycling infrastructure. To tackle this, scientists are turning their attention towards evolving the traditional, reliable, and eco-friendly lead-acid battery technology.
The lead-acid battery technology, which dates back to 1859 when it was invented by French physicist Gaston Plante, has been a sturdy alternative. However, the technology isn’t without its shortcomings. Issues such as heavyweight, corrosion, poor thermal stability, and unidirectional diffusion of electrolytes diminish the output power of these batteries.
Lightweight Carbon Foam: A Revolutionary Battery Component
Addressing the problems associated with lead-acid batteries, scientists are developing lightweight carbon foam. This material prides itself on being corrosion-resistant, having good electrical and thermal conductivity, and a high surface area, making it an ideal replacement for the traditional lead grid in lead-acid batteries.
This foam boasts low density, high porosity, and commendable mechanical strength. It isn’t soluble in water, which implies enhanced durability and effectiveness.
Multiple Utilizations of Lightweight Carbon Foam
The applications of lightweight carbon foam extend beyond batteries. This material can be used for heat sinks in power electronics, for electromagnetic interference shielding in the aerospace industry, and also for hydrogen storage.
When it comes to water purification systems, carbon foam proves effective and cost-efficient for the removal of arsenic, oil, and other metals from contaminated water. This makes it suitable for remote areas where power supply is limited.
Benefits of Lightweight Carbon Foam
Lightweight carbon foam is non-toxic, affordable, and uncomplicated to fabricate. The raw materials needed for its production are readily available, eliminating the need for expensive equipment for its fabrication and filtration.
Developments in Energy Storage Technologies
The development of the lightweight carbon foam isn’t the only major stride in energy storage technologies. Recently, a team of researchers, including a recipient of the INSPIRE Faculty Award, have achieved significant progress in developing nanomaterials-based supercapacitors. This development aims for high energy density and power density of supercapacitors, presenting another viable alternative for energy storage.