The Latest Advancements in Battery Technologies

New and emerging battery technologies

The increasing complexity and size of commercial and industrial systems has heightened the need for more efficient and reliable batteries. To address the demand for more environmentally friendly products, researchers and manufacturers also seek to introduce more sustainable battery solutions. This article will cover new and traditional battery technologies, battery advancements and emerging battery innovations you should know about.

Overview of emerging battery innovations and their applications

Efficient batteries are more important than ever in today's systems, either as a primary source of power or as a backup, such as in fire alarm, security and energy systems. Security system batteries provide a backup to the power grid, offering peace of mind that your system will continue to work during a power outage — or even if someone intentionally cuts the power lines.

Today's integrators also rely on batteries for home electronics, mobile devices, aviation systems and storage solutions for the power grid.

Electric vehicles and energy management have been key drivers of battery advancements in recent years. The quest for efficiency and affordability has led to new battery types (which we'll explore later in this article).

Why battery technology matters in modern energy systems

Understanding new battery tech can help integrators better evaluate the best equipment and most efficient batteries for any type of project, especially when it comes to fire alarms and security systems.

Businesses are more cost-conscious than ever. By deploying advanced battery solutions, integrators can save their customers time and money while providing advanced functionality and increased reliability.

Key trends driving battery development

Sustainability continues to drive new battery technology. Electric vehicles are inherently more eco-friendly than vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, but today's battery technologies don't provide the ideal solution. Lithium-ion batteries require hard-to-acquire raw materials, are difficult to dispose of and can be highly flammable. These drawbacks drive researchers to explore other battery materials.

AI technology is one trend helping power battery advancements. The World Economic Forum recently reported that Microsoft AI discovered a solid electrolyte that could reduce lithium use by 70%. AI can also play a role in smarter, faster charging for better energy management — such as automatically charging EVs during non-peak times.

Machine learning models can also help optimize battery management systems for cost-savings and sustainability, according to a report from Monolith, a UK-based AI leader. Coupled with the Internet of Things (IoT), which can track energy use and storage, machine learning can make automated device charging and load management even smarter.

Nanotechnology can potentially increase the durability, safety, efficiency and lifespan of lithium batteries. Silicon nanowire battery electrodes hold 10 times as many lithium ions as the graphite used today, according to battery manufacturer Amprius. These silicon anode batteries will charge faster and last longer, reducing landfill waste and requiring fewer replacements to be produced.

Improvements in traditional battery technologies

Over the years, the most common battery technologies have improved significantly, offering increased energy density, faster charging capabilities, larger battery capacities and more cost-effective solutions.

Today's advanced batteries based on traditional tech are not likely to go obsolete any time soon — at least not until new battery technology is able to fully address energy density or other challenges.

Lead-acid batteries

Lead-acid batteries provide a reliable and cost-effective source of power. According to Battery Council International (BCI), lead-acid batteries provide 50% of the world's rechargeable power.

This battery technology is used in a wide range of industries and applications, including Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), data centers, medical facilities, security and public safety sectors, communication networks and much more.

Compared to other batteries, lead-acid batteries typically have shorter lifespans, safety risks and more maintenance requirements. However, they are a cost-effective solution, and newer versions with enhanced electrode designs and electrolyte formulations help to address these shortcomings.

Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries

SLA batteries are rechargeable, spill-proof batteries based off a lead-acid design. These batteries are also maintenance-free and safer than flooded batteries.

With benefits like high durability and the ability to deliver high surge currents, they are used in fire and alarm systems, UPS systems, emergency lighting, a variety of commercial equipment and other critical applications requiring backup power or off-grid use.

In recent years, Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries have gained significant interest. Compared to traditional SLA batteries, AGM battery solutions offer a higher voltage output and a longer lifespan, even when deep-cycled. They also provide excellent electrical reliability and better recharging efficiency.

Lithium and Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries

Using a liquid electrolyte solution, lithium batteries are one of the most high-performing battery solutions for electronics. Although they come at a higher price point, lithium batteries last up to six times longer than alkaline batteries (depending on the manufacturer). Lithium batteries are used for various electronics, including cameras, smoke detectors, powerful tools and other appliances.

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are a much-improved version of standard lithium batteries, making them the go-to choice in the electronics industry currently.

Because they are rechargeable, Li-ion batteries are more cost-effective in the long run and help reduce waste. One of the most significant improvements in Li-ion battery technology is the increase in energy density, allowing for even longer-lasting battery life. And while Li-ion batteries typically cost more than other batteries, their price has been reduced by 90% over the past decade. Apart from offering reliable power for electronics, Li-ion batteries can also be used for more complex systems, including emergency power backup systems and surveillance or alarm systems.

Emerging new battery technologies

With a surging demand for more sustainable and green technology, researchers and manufacturers are developing new battery types that are less harmful for the environment. These battery innovations also address many other problems, including lifespan and safety, that plague lithium-ion batteries.

This battery tech promises to revolutionize the battery industry, potentially making rechargeable electronic devices more durable, affordable, accessible and safer.

Solid-state batteries

Solid-state battery technology is generating anticipation across multiple sectors, from energy storage to electronic vehicles (EV) and consumer electronics. Similar to how Li-ion batteries quickly became the preferred battery choice, researchers predict the same will happen with solid-state batteries.

Currently, the most concerning factor about Li-ion batteries is safety, primarily due to their flammable liquid electrolytes that can cause fires or explosions. Solid-state batteries, however, are comprised of non-flammable solid electrolytes, offering a significantly safer solution.

These advanced batteries promise a wide variety of advantages, including increased battery life, better overall performance and higher energy densities — up to 10 times higher than Li-ion batteries. Solid-state batteries can also be developed with a wider range of cheaper and more environmentally friendly materials, making them a more sustainable choice for the future.

Lithium-sulfur batteries

San Jose, CA-based lithium-sulfur battery manufacturer Lyten promises its new battery tech can “electrify anything that moves.” This includes not just consumer and commercial EVs, but drones, satellites, defense applications and mobility and micromobility solutions.

Lithium-sulfur batteries use a sulfur cathode and lithium-metal anode, holding more energy density in a smaller size and weight. By eliminating mined heavy metals like nickel, cobalt, graphite, iron and phosphorous, lithium-sulfur batteries are both lighter weight and more eco-friendly.

They can be produced in gigafactories across the world from locally sourced, easy-to-access materials. This reduces production costs and the need for the U.S. to import this crucial component for successful electronics manufacturing.

Sodium-ion batteries (Na-ion)

Sodium-ion battery technology is another upcoming solution that could replace lithium-ion batteries. Na-ion batteries offer a more sustainable and lower-cost alternative to Li-ion batteries, since sodium is an abundant resource and more accessible compared to lithium.

Similar to solid-state batteries, sodium-ion batteries are comprised of non-flammable electrolytes and offer better charging times. Na-ion batteries currently have lower energy density than Li-ion batteries, making them a better option for stationary energy storage systems. Researchers are continuing to develop sodium-ion battery technology to improve their energy density.

Flow batteries

In 2023, MIT developed a modeling framework to speed the development of flow batteries. This new battery technology uses solid-state charge-storage materials and dissolves them in electrolyte solutions, which then flow through electrodes.

Because the energy is stored in tanks, separate from the reactor, manufacturers can adjust the capacity and power separately, making flow batteries flexible for a variety of applications.

The drawback to flow batteries today is that they are slower to charge than their lithium-ion counterparts, making them unsuitable for EVs, mobile devices or home electronics. However, their low cost and energy capacity make them a good fit for energy storage.

Today, vanadium flow batteries hold between 10 and 36 hours of energy, making them perfect to fill in the gaps when power grids that rely on solar or wind may not have enough electricity to fill demand, according to Chemical & Engineering News. Although the publication called flow batteries “the forgotten energy storage device,” by 2030 these batteries could have a $22 billion market share.

Aluminum-ion and magnesium-ion batteries

Aluminum-ion (AIB) and magnesium-ion (MIB) batteries share some similar characteristics. Like lithium-ion batteries, they generate energy when the ions move from the battery's negative electrode to the positive. AIBs and MIBs both promise equal or better energy and power density at much lower costs than lithium-ion. Aluminum and magnesium are both affordable, easily accessible metals, which reduces the battery cost.

Aluminum-ion batteries charge faster than Li-ion. Because aluminum ions exchange three electrons for every one that a lithium-ion battery exchanges, the capacity of an AIB is three times greater than a lithium-ion battery. They tend to have a lower voltage, increasing their lifespan while making them more efficient and eco-friendly, overall, according to the Ufine Battery blog.

Like AIBs, MIBs have a greater energy density — they exchange electrons at double the rate of Li. Researchers are also exploring aqueous metal ion batteries, which would address safety issues and eco-friendliness at the end of the lifecycle. The parts can be disassembled and materials can be re-used or recycled, according to an article on CleanTechnica.com.

The road ahead for battery technology innovations

From improved lead-acid and lithium battery designs to new, innovative battery technologies, the future of batteries holds great potential to make our energy use more efficient, safer and sustainable.

When choosing the right battery for your projects, consider the power consumption of the device, desired runtime and operating environment. It's also important to ensure the batteries you use comply with relevant safety regulations.