China's High-Energy Research Battery
The hunt for bigger, better rechargeable batteries continues as researchers in China create a record-breaking 711 Wh/kg rechargeable lithium battery. This outpaces the 'Trillion Cell' developed by Tesla earlier this year. The Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences took a step in the right direction to meet the growing demand for higher-density batteries.
Previously, a team at Dalhousie University in Canada held the record with a 575 Wh/kg anode-free pouch cell. However, the Chinese Academy of Sciences team has now jumped ahead with a test battery that achieves 711.3 Wh/kg.
To put this in context, Tesla's latest 4680 cells have an energy density of 272-296 Wh/kg. This highlights just how much more efficient the new lithium battery from China is. It even outperforms the 'Trillion Cell' developed by Tesla.
The Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences claims that its battery has broken the world record for the highest energy density of a rechargeable lithium battery. However, due to certain technical barriers, there is limited information available about the test battery.
The institute has not disclosed details about the battery's energy output, degradation rate, potential thermal issues, or provided information in English. The prototype cell uses technology that is not commercially viable at the moment.
Despite these limitations, the tests show promise. Researchers expect this ultra-high energy density battery technology will meet China's needs for high-performance power supply in special scenarios, such as high altitude and deep space.
The demand for higher-density batteries is high in various industries. It remains to be seen how far lithium battery technology can be pushed before a new technology replaces it.
Here's hoping for a jump start in battery technology that will lead to longer-lasting laptops and improved Gaming monitors.
