The application of graphene in lithium ion battery electrode materials
Graphene is composed of a single atomic layer of carbon which has excellent mechanical, electrical and optical properties. It has the potential to be widely used in the fields of physics, chemistry, information, energy and device manufacturing. In this paper, we briefly review the concept, structure, properties, preparation methods of graphene and its application in lithium ion batteries. A continuous 3D conductive network formed by graphene can effectively improve the electron and ion transportation of the electrode materials, so the addition of graphene can greatly enhance lithium ion battery’s properties and provide better chemical stability, higher electrical conductivity and higher capacity. In this review, some recent advances in the graphene-containing materials used in lithium ion batteries are summarized and future prospects are highlighted.
Nowadays, ever-increasing demands on energy have driven many countries to invest heavily in finding new sources of energy or investigating new ways/devices to store energy (Zhu et al.2014). A kind of energy storage device is lithium ion batteries, which have many unique advantages in comparison to conventional batteries. These merits include high open-circuit voltage, high energy density, long useful life, no memory effect, no pollution and low self-discharge rate. The advantageous properties of lithium ion batteries make them quickly become the new generation of secondary batteries in recent years and they are now widely used in mobile phones, laptops and other portable electronic devices (Tarascon Armand2001). In lithium ion batteries, lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge, and this is reversed during the charging process. Cathode materials commonly used are lithium intercalation compounds, such as LiCoO2, LiMn2O4 and LiFePO4; anode materials commonly used are graphite, tin-based oxides and transition metal oxides. However, these materials have some drawbacks that limit their use. For example, carbon materials have good cycle performance but low initial charge and discharge efficiency; tin-based oxides have good cycle but high irreversible capacity loss in the first cycle (Simon Gogotsi2008). One of the potential solutions to these problems is to develop new electrode materials for lithium ion batteries. Graphene, a miracle material, is chemically stable and has high electrical conductivity. So it has naturally been considered as a suitable electrode alternative in the battery applications (Atabaki Kovacevic2013).
Graphene is a monolayer of graphite, consisting of sp 2 hybridized carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb crystal lattice (Geim Novoselov2007), as shown in Figure 1. It is a two-dimensional material, meaning that every atom of graphene can be considered as a surface atom. Graphene forms the basic structure of other carbon materials like graphite, carbon nanotubes and fullerenes. In 2004, Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov obtained graphene via a simple method (Novoselov et al.2004), which subsequently attracted attention around the world, owing to graphene’s novel structure and properties. For example, this two-dimensional carbon material has a specific surface area of 2600 m 2 /G (Stoller et al.2008) with its honeycomb structure potentially resulting in higher lithium storage capacity. Furthermore, its high electron mobility (15000 cm 2 /(V s)), outstanding thermal conductivity (3000 W/(m K)) (Bolotin et al.2008), good chemical stability and excellent mechanical properties make it an ideal target for forming composite materials used as the base electrode. Improved electrodes also allow for the storage of more lithium ions and increase the battery’s capacity. As a result, the life of batteries containing graphene can last significantly longer than conventional batteries (Bolotin et al.2008). In the conventional lithium ion batteries, as lithium ions are inserted and removed from the electrode materials, the materials will swell and shrink, leading to a quicker breakdown. This can be avoided through the addition of graphene, whose efficient conductivity can lead to less resistive heating within the electrode, so batteries can operate at lower temperatures, which ultimately improves the battery’s safety (Atabaki Kovacevic2013). Graphene has many additional properties such as the quantum hall effect, bipolar field-effect, ferromagnetism, superconductivity and high electron mobility (Katsnelson et al.2006). These properties make graphene suited for use in many fields. over, recent scientific advances have allowed for the development of various low-cost and simple methods of preparing graphene. This is particularly important for large-scale production and applications. Below, a review of the applications of graphene and graphene-based composites as electrode materials in lithium ion batteries are analyzed, as well as likely paths for future development.
Preparation methods of graphene
Graphene are currently produced by several different methods: micromechanical exfoliation of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite with or without previous processing of the surface (Tang Hu2012; Lu et al.1999; Fredriksson et al.2009), epitaxial growth (Yu et al.2011; Berger et al.2006), chemical vapor deposition (CVD) (An et al.2011; Wintterlin ML2009) and reduction of graphene oxide (GO) (Li et al.2008; Gómez-Navarro et al.2007; Stankovich et al.2007; Mattevi et al.2009; Fernandez-Merino et al.2010). The graphene produced by micromechanical exfoliation and chemical vapor deposition shows good monolayer morphology. However these methods are complex and can only produce small amounts of grapheme, hence are not suitable for mass production and application. Chemical reduction of graphene oxide is currently the most suitable method for large-scale graphene production. So graphene used in the vast majority of lithium ion battery electrode materials is obtained by reducing GO.
Graphene oxide is produced from natural graphite through the Hummers method (Fan et al.2008; Gómez-Navarro et al.2007), Brodie method (Brodie Chim1860) or Staudenmaie method (Staudenmaier Deut1898). The Hummers method is most commonly used. Once GO is produced, hydrazine hydrate, NaBH4 (Shin et al.2009) or other reducing agents are used to produce graphene. This mode of preparation is simple and will enable mass production of graphene. The shortfall of this method is that introduced oxygen will affect the produced graphene’s electrochemical properties, resulting in deterioration of graphene. Despite these drawbacks, chemical reduction of GO is still the primary method used by researchers, owing to its simplicity and lower equipment burden.
Graphene in lithium ion battery cathode materials
Some of the most commonly studied cathode materials used in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, LiFePO4 and Li3V2(PO4)3. These materials have electronic conductivities of 10.4 S/cm (Dokko et al.2001; Barker et al.1996; Levasseur et al.2002), 10.6 S/cm (Marzec et al.2002; Cao Prakash2002), 10.9 S/cm (Prosini et al.2002; Shi et al.2003) and 2.4 × 10.7 S/cm (Pan et al.2011) respectively. These electronic conductivity values are fairly low when high battery performance is required, so electron conducting additives are frequently added to such materials in order to improve their electrochemical properties.
Existing studies show that pure graphene can’t become a direct substitute for current carbon-based commercial electrode materials in lithium ion batteries due to its low coulombic efficiency, high charge–discharge platform and poor cycle stability (Atabaki Kovacevic2013). However, when used as a matrix in the composite electrode materials, graphene can play a very important role.
In recent years, researchers have begun to study graphene modified for use as a cathode material and have found that it can significantly improve cathode electrochemical performance (Geim Novoselov2007). For example, the two-dimensional large surface area and superior electron transfer capability of graphene can effectively improve the transmission and diffusion abilities of electron and ion in cathode materials.
3.1 Lithium metal oxide-graphene composites as cathode materials for LIBs
LiMn2O4 is used as cathode electrode material, owing to its low cost, environmental friendliness and high abundance (Manev et al.1995). However, its low electrical conductivity results in a low-rate capacity. Published papers have demonstrated that graphene sheets are effective agents for improving their conductivity and rate capacity. LiMn2O4-graphene composites with high rate capacity were synthesized by a microwave assisted hydrothermal method (Bak et al.2011). The composites exhibited reversible capacities of 117 mAh/g and 101 mAh/g at 50C and 100C. In another study, LiMn2O4-graphene composites were synthesized by self-assembly approach combined with a solid-state lithiation method (Zhao et al.2011). The enhancement in electrochemical properties is attributed to the superior Li diffusion kinetics and improved stability across a wide voltage range in crystalline LiMn2O4-graphene composites. Furthermore, their capacities approached the theoretical value and the cycling stability was enhanced.
LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 is a promising candidate for cathode electrode materials. It shows high energy density, good stability, enhanced safety and can be produced at low cost (Zhu et al.2012). However, cation disorder occurs during calcination and results in deterioration of its kinetic properties. To improve its electrochemical performance, LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2-graphene composites are prepared as cathode materials for LIBs. Jiang and coworkers reported that LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2-graphene composites prepared by mechanical mixing could deliver a capacity of 115 mAh/g at 6C (Jiang et al.2012). LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2-graphene composites prepared by micro-emulsion and ball-milling route could deliver a reversible capacity of 150 mAh/g at 5C, much higher than that of bare LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (Rao et al.2011). The improved performance is attributed to grain connectivity and high electronic conductivity.
3.2 LiMPO4-graphene composites as cathode materials for LIBs
In comparison to LiFePO4, Li3V2(PO4)3 is an attractive cathode material for LIBs, because its average extraction/reinsertion voltage is about 4.0 V, and its theoretical capacity is 197 mAh/g (Huang et al.2009; Yu et al.2012). Li3V2(PO4)3 forms a monoclinic structure and has a high operating voltage and shows a good performance at high discharge currents. However, its intrinsic low electronic conductivity (240 nS/cm at 25°C) limits its rate capacity, so graphene is added to improve its electrochemical performance. Li3V2(PO4)3/graphene cathode material has been prepared by sol–gel, solid state and spray-drying synthesis methods (Huang et al.2009; Yu et al.2012). The product which was prepared by a sol–gel route shows excellent rate capacity and cycling stability (Yu et al.2012).
Graphene in lithium ion battery anode materials
Graphene has opened new possibilities in the field of lithium ion battery materials due to its light weight, high electrical conductivity, superior mechanical flexibility, and chemical stability (Su et al.2012). These properties prove advantageous when graphene is used in the anode. The addition of graphene to anode materials has lead to superior electrical conductivity, high surface area (2620 m 2 g.1 ), high surface-to-volume ratio, ultra-thin thickness which can shorten the diffusion distance of ions, structural flexibility that paves the way for constructing flexible electrodes, thermal and chemical stability which guarantee its durability in harsh environments.
At present, non-carbon-based lithium-ion battery anode materials are mainly tin-based electrode materials, as well as silicon-based and transition metal-based materials (Zhu et al.2011; Liu et al.2012; Wang et al.2010a; Lian et al.2010a; Tao et al.2012; Wang et al.2010b; Kim et al.2012; Tung et al.2009; Cai et al.2012a; Wang et al.2011a). Even though the aforementioned materials have high theoretical capacity, drawbacks to their use as anode materials are volume expansion during lithium/delithiation and a large internal stress. After repeated charging and discharging, the material is prone to rupture, resulting in poor cycling performance. To overcome these disadvantages, graphene is adopted. Table 1 summarizes LIB anode materials (non-carbon) doped with graphene. Some widely and commonly used materials are discussed in this paper.
4.2 Graphene-modified silicon-based materials
As an anode material, silicon and lithium ions can form Li 4.4 Si. The theoretical charge capacity of this compound is up to 4200 mAh/g, it also has a low discharge voltage. However, a limitation to its use is its charge volume effect. During the discharge process, silicon and lithium form Li3.75Si. As a result, Si volume increased up to 270%. This leads to poor circulation stability (Wolfenstine1999). The addition of Silicon nanomaterials and carbon-coating can buffer this volume expansion to some extent. When graphene is introduced, it can not only prevent silicon nanoparticles gathering but also improve the electron and lithium ions transport capability.
Yushin etc. (Evanoff et al.2011) used a vapor deposition method to form a continuous Si film on the graphene sheet surface. Following that, a high temperature treatment in propylene allowed the silicon surface to be coated with carbon. The obtained composite material showed enhanced conductivity as well as oxidation resistance. This composite has 3D porous structure, which buffer Si volume change during charge and discharge, owing to the presence of a stable solid electrolyte interface film. Furthermore, this composite has more than 1000 mAh/g specific delithiated capacity and good cycle stability under 1400 mA/g current density.
4.3 Graphene modified transition metal-based materials
Transition metal oxides which have high lithium storage capacity are known as potential alternative anode materials for high capacity lithium ion batteries. Owing to the presence of volume changes during charge and discharge and their low conductivity, graphene can also be used to improve their electrochemical properties.
Co3O4 has a high theoretical capacity of 890mAh/g. However, the processes of charging and discharging cause large volume expansion. The addition of graphene can effectively improve Co3O4 electrochemical properties (Kim et al.2011; Li et al.2011; Yan et al.2010; Wu et al.2010; Yang et al.2010). For example, at 200 mA/g of current density, Co(OH)2’s first cycle off-lithium specific capacity is 660 mAh/g. Through synchronizing hydrothermal reduction with graphene, the material’s delithiated specific capacity increases up to 1120mAh/g. After 30 cycles, the reversible capacity of the composite material remains 82% of the initial capacity.
Mn3O4 has a 936 mAh/g theoretical capacity. However, due to its poor electrical conductivity (about 10. 7.10. 8 S/cm), the actual capacity with Co doped can only reach a maximum of 400 mAh/g. When the composite with graphene formed through a two-step liquid method, followed by hydrothermal synthesis, the delithiated ratio capacity of this compound is about 900 mAh/g at low current density (40 mA/g), closing to the theoretical capacity. When current density reaches 1600 mA/g, the specific capacity of this compound maintains 390 mAh/g (Wang et al. 2010c).
CuO has low Band gap energy and high catalytic activity. However, as an anode material, it has a low conductive performance and large volume expansion effect. These shortcomings can be improved by forming CuO/graphene composites (Mai et al.2011). First CuO and graphite oxide are used to produce CuO/graphene composite by hydrothermal synthesis, followed by a reduction process. After 50 cycles, the composite material’s inverse capacity reached 583.5 mAh/g and the capacity retention ratio was 75.5%.
Chrysalis-shaped graphene oxide cathodes make magnesium batteries cleaner and greener
Scientists at Graphene Flagship partners the University of Padova, the University of Trieste and CNR-IMM, Italy, in collaboration with researchers from other European institutions, have developed a new strategy to boost the performance of magnesium-based rechargeable batteries. Combining vanadium and graphene oxide, they obtained a high-power cathode that shows excellent promise for sustainable energy storage.
Rechargeable batteries are widespread in modern electronics, as they can repeatedly accumulate, store and discharge energy through a reversible electrochemical reaction. This makes them vital for the lasting function of mobile phones, laptops and electric vehicles, all of which endure hundreds of charge cycles over their lifetime. Typical rechargeable batteries are made using lithium anodes, but magnesium anodes have a number of properties that make them promising alternatives.
Several factors make magnesium-based rechargeable batteries attractive, begins first author Vito Di Noto, from Graphene Flagship partner the University of Padova, Italy. They have a higher volumetric capacity than those made with lithium, and they can be safely handled in air. over, magnesium is a cheaper and more abundant raw material. In fact, it is one of the most abundant elements in the Earth’s crust, explains Di Noto. Magnesium anodes also represent a safer alternative: they are less prone to dendrite formation, a phenomenon that can lead to short circuits and, in rare circumstances, battery explosion.
However, the development of magnesium batteries has been hindered by their poorly performing cathodes, which often result in significantly worse-performing devices than their lithium-based counterparts.
To tackle this challenge, the researchers developed an all-new cathode material for magnesium batteries based on graphene and vanadium oxides. The material exhibits a peculiar chrysalis-like microstructure that enhances the performance of the battery. Graphene oxide flakes encircle a nanoparticle core based on vanadium oxide: the structures are fixed together thanks to a layer of ammonium ions, explains Di Noto. The chrysalis-like material combines vanadium’s high redox activity and graphene oxide’s electrical properties. This yields a cathode with very strong chemical and electrochemical stability, he continues.
The new graphene-enhanced cathode has allowed researchers to operate a coin cell at very high current rates and power, with a promisingly high specific capacity. The synergistic effects provided by graphene oxide, vanadium and the chrysalis morphology enable the coin cell to operate with 500% more sustained current than state-of-the-art magnesium batteries, at a 40% higher working potential. These properties could be exploited to make batteries for mobile devices that last longer between charges or deliver more power.
Furthermore, magnesium’s high natural abundance means that magnesium-based rechargeable batteries could be an environmentally friendly solution. This work brings graphene batteries one step closer to the market. Magnesium is one of the most sustainable metals in the world, and can be easily recycled – up to 100%, Di Noto continues. We hope that our work will contribute to the turning point towards the establishment of a greener and more sustainable energy economy.
Daniel Carriazo, Graphene Flagship Work Package Deputy for Energy Storage, Комментарии и мнения владельцев: As the production of lithium-ion batteries increases exponentially to fulfil the demand of new applications, it is necessary to develop alternative energy storage technologies made out of accessible and environmentally friendly materials. Carriazo says that this work shows very promising results when a vanadium-based graphene composite is used as the positive electrode in a potassium-ion battery. The incorporation of graphene enables fast charging, overcoming one of the limitations associated with this technology, he continues.
Andrea C. Ferrari, Science and Technology Officer of the Graphene Flagship and Chair of its Management Panel, adds: Graphene and layered materials have recognised potential in energy storage, and graphene is already present in commercial devices. This approach tackles the need to produce more environmentally sustainable batteries, and thanks to the introduction of graphene oxide into the cathode, shows how magnesium could be used, which is easier to recycle. Sustainable development always guides the technology and innovation roadmap of the Graphene Flagship, and this research is yet another promising example.
Graphene Batteries Introduction and Industry Analysis
The use of Smart battery technology is widespread in today’s digital era. But there’s a thing that consumers and electronic gadget manufacturers will never be able to get enough of — superior battery life. Wouldn’t it be amazing if our smartphones and other mobile devices lasted more than three days of heavy use with only a single charge? With graphene batteries, this dream might turn into a reality.
Graphene batteries are not being used in full form in smartphones and other gadgets yet, but the technology is advancing. In the coming years, graphene could be the breakthrough material that could replace conventional lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries that the technology industry has become heavily dependent on for decades.
The Graphene Batteries Industry: An Overview
Graphene is one of the strongest, thinnest, and most flexible materials known to everyone. It is made of a sheet of carbon atoms that are bound together in a honeycomb lattice pattern. The material has several characteristics with unlimited possibilities for various applications. Graphene is the world’s most potent conductor of electrical and thermal energy, highly flexible, and extremely lightweight. over, it is eco-friendly and sustainable.
Graphene is incorporated with traditional battery electrode materials to enhance its functionalities and characteristics. A graphene battery has faster-charging capabilities, high storage capacities, high durability, and lower weight. Thereby, it will help extend the battery’s life and improve battery attributes such as energy density and form in different ways. Conventional batteries can be enhanced by incorporating graphene into the battery’s anode to achieve high performance and morphological optimization.
Along with transforming and revolutionizing the battery market, graphene batteries can be used with supercapacitors to achieve unparalleled results to improve the efficiency and driving range of electric cars. While graphene batteries’ commercialization is still in nascent stages, battery innovations are being reported throughout the world.
The global graphene batteries market is expected to reach USD 115 million by the end of 2022, expanding at a 38.4% CAGR. Graphene batteries have maximum applications in the automotive industry, set to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. In terms of regional distribution, Europe is expected to lead the market.
Graphene as a Substitute Element in Batteries
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and graphene batteries can charge various devices and transfer energy in similar manners. Even though both batteries share similarities in design specifications and applications, they differ from one another in terms of lifespan, safety aspects, and energy transfer speed.
The primary reason that makes graphene batteries much more efficient than existing li-ion batteries is its heat dissipation capabilities. Whenever heat transfer occurs, a large amount of energy is created due to its conductors’ resistance. Traditional batteries conduct energy while displaying very high resistance, ultimately generating increased amounts of heat energy. With the increase in heat energy, resistance increases even further, creating a cycle of inefficiency. The relative excess in heat and resistance is harmful to the battery and the device.
To prevent catastrophic failures, li-ion batteries are used along with graphene to enhance the cathode conductor’s performance. These graphene-enhanced li-ion batteries are known as graphene-metal oxide hybrids because they have a greater charging capacity, lower weight, greater lifespan, and faster charging times than traditional batteries. Hybrid batteries are likely to become the first consumer-grade graphene batteries to hit the marketplace.
Currently, graphene is one of the world’s most conductive materials to exhibit relatively low resistance levels. The low resistance levels keep in check the heat levels, thereby supporting overall temperatures at a minimum and safe range. Low resistance is required for faster energy transfers.
Competitive Landscape: Global Graphene Batteries Industry
Samsung SDI Co., Ltd is a South Korean electronic component manufacturer and a subsidiary of the Samsung Electronics Group. The company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and marketing personal digital assistants (PDAs), rechargeable batteries for mobile devices, energy storage systems, plasma display panels, LCD components, and solar panels. Samsung operates through two segments — Battery and Electronic Materials. The company posted USD 8.90 billion in revenue in 2019, with the Battery and Electronic Materials segments contributing revenues of USD 6.78 billion and USD 2.09 billion, respectively.
Graphene Battery Market: Information by Battery Type (L
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The use of Smart battery technology is widespread in today’s digital era. But there’s a thing that consumers and electronic gadget manufacturers will never be able to get enough of — superior battery life. Wouldn’t it be amazing if our smartphones and other mobile devices lasted more than three days of heavy use with only a single charge? With graphene batteries, this dream might turn into a reality. Graphene batteries are not being used in full form in smartphones and other gadgets yet, but the technology is advancing. In the coming years, graphene could be the breakthrough material that could replace conventional lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries that the technology industry has become heavily dependent on for decades. The Graphene Batteries Industry: An Overview Graphene is one of the strongest, thinnest, and most flexible materials known to everyone. It is made of a sheet of carbon atoms that are bound together in a honeycomb lattice pattern. The material has several characteristics with unlimited possibilities for various applications. Graphene is the world’s most potent conductor of electrical and thermal energy, highly flexible, and extremely lightweight. over, it is eco-friendly and sustainable. Graphene is incorporated with traditional battery electrode materials to enhance its functionalities and characteristics. A graphene battery has faster-charging capabilities, high storage capacities, high durability, and lower weight. Thereby, it will help extend the battery’s life and improve battery attributes such as energy density and form in different ways. Conventional batteries can be enhanced by incorporating graphene into the battery’s anode to achieve high performance and morphological optimization. Along with transforming and revolutionizing the battery market, graphene batteries can be used with supercapacitors to achieve unparalleled results to improve the efficiency and driving range of electric cars. While graphene batteries’ commercialization is still in nascent stages, battery innovations are being reported throughout the world. The global graphene batteries market is expected to reach USD 115 million by the end of 2022, expanding at a 38.4% CAGR. Graphene batteries have maximum applications in the automotive industry, set to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. In terms of regional distribution, Europe is expected to lead the market. Graphene as a Substitute Element in Batteries Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and graphene batteries can charge various devices and transfer energy in similar manners. Even though both batteries share similarities in design specifications and applications, they differ from one another in terms of lifespan, safety aspects, and energy transfer speed. To Read Full Description Of The Global Battery Additives Market Report, Download Sample PDF Report The primary reason that makes graphene batteries much more efficient than existing li-ion batteries is its heat dissipation capabilities. Whenever heat transfer occurs, a large amount of energy is created due to its conductors’ resistance. Traditional batteries conduct energy while displaying very high resistance, ultimately generating increased amounts of heat energy. With the increase in heat energy, resistance increases even further, creating a cycle of inefficiency. The relative excess in heat and resistance is harmful to the battery and the device. To prevent catastrophic failures, li-ion batteries are used along with graphene to enhance the cathode conductor’s performance. These graphene-enhanced li-ion batteries are known as graphene-metal oxide hybrids because they have a greater charging capacity, lower weight, greater lifespan, and faster charging times than traditional batteries. Hybrid batteries are likely to become the first consumer-grade graphene batteries to hit the marketplace. Currently, graphene is one of the world’s most conductive materials to exhibit relatively low resistance levels. The low resistance levels keep in check the heat levels, thereby supporting overall temperatures at a minimum and safe range. Low resistance is required for faster energy transfers. Competitive Landscape: Global Graphene Batteries Industry Samsung SDI (South Korea) Samsung SDI Co., Ltd is a South Korean electronic component manufacturer and a subsidiary of the Samsung Electronics Group. The company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and marketing personal digital assistants (PDAs), rechargeable batteries for mobile devices, energy storage systems, plasma display panels, LCD components, and solar panels. Samsung operates through two segments — Battery and Electronic Materials. The company posted USD 8.90 billion in revenue in 2019, with the Battery and Electronic Materials segments contributing revenues of USD 6.78 billion and USD 2.09 billion, respectively. In November 2017, the company developed a distinctive graphene ball that could make lithium-ion batteries long-lasting and more efficient. In fact, the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT) said that the unique material would increase the batteries’ capacity by 45% and make charging speed 5x faster. Besides, batteries with the graphene ball material will maintain temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius, which is the industry standard for use in electric cars. Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (China) Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. is a Chinese multinational provider of information and communications technology (ICT) solutions, infrastructure, and Smart devices. It is also a leading designer, manufacturer, and seller of telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics. The company’s total revenue for 2018 was a staggering USD 105.1 billion, with a net profit of USD 8.7 billion. In November 2016, the company revealed a new graphene-enhanced lithium-ion battery that can remain operational at temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius and offer a longer lifespan — twice as much as what can be achieved with traditional batteries. To build this product, Huawei leveraged the capabilities of several new technologies such as chemically-stabilized single-crystal cathodes, anti-decomposition additives in the electrolyte, and graphene to enable heat dissipation. Additionally, the company claims the new graphene material would reduce the battery’s temperature by about 5 degrees. Cabot Corporation (US) Cabot Corporation is a U.S.-based specialty chemical and performance materials company that operates in more than 20 countries with 36 manufacturing facilities, eight RD plants, and 28 sales offices. The company reported USD 3.2 billion in revenue in 2018, with a net profit of USD 113 million. Cabot Corporation launched the world’s first graphene-enhanced additive LITX™ G700 to improve li-ion batteries’ energy density. GrabatGraphenano Energy (Spain) GrabatGraphenano Energy is a division of Graphenano Group that designs, manufactures, and distributes graphene polymer batteries for use in different applications. It is the world’s first graphene cell plant located in Spain. In February 2020, the company partnered with China’s Chint Power Systems to produce graphene polymer batteries that would allow autonomy of 800 km if used in electric vehicles. Grabat claims that the battery would be charged in just 5 minutes and occupies between 20% and 30% less than a li-ion battery. Nanotech Energy (US) The U.S.-based Nanotech Energy is among the world’s leading providers of graphene, graphene oxide, graphene ink, EMI shielding, graphene super batteries, and silver nanowires. The company licenses the world’s first patent for graphene filed in 2002 by co-founder Dr. Richard Kaner. He is also the UCLA Professor of Chemistry and Material Science and Engineering. In September 2019, the company announced that it has built and scaled the graphene production process, with over 90% of its content monolayers. The company claims it to be the purest form of graphene available in mass production quantities. In May 2020, Nanotech Energy closed a USD 27.5 million funding round to produce graphene batteries that can charge 18 times faster than anything currently available in the marketplace. The company aims to make the batteries by the end of 2022. Find Out Information About The Space Battery Market, Download Sample PDF Report Nanotek Instruments, Inc. (US) Nanotek Instruments, Inc. is a U.S-based company that specializes in using breakthrough nanotechnology for consumer applications. The company’s product line includes energy storage devices such as batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, and graphene-enabled technologies for next-gen products such as electric cars, paints, phones, and tires. Global Graphene Group (G3) — the parent company of Nanotek Instruments, Inc. — and its subsidiary Angstron Energy (AEC) has built a novel graphene composite anode material (GCA-II-N) that can increase the efficiency of li-ion batteries while making it compact. XG Sciences, Inc. (US) The U.S.-based XG Sciences, Inc. is a global leader and market pioneer in the design, manufacture, and sales of graphene flakes and nanoplates using technology developed at Michigan State University. The company uses xGnP (flakes) materials to build graphene applications further. In August 2013, the company launched a new graphene-enhanced anode material for li-ion batteries. A year later, Samsung Ventures invested in XG Sciences to co-produce graphene-enhanced batteries. In the second half of 2018, the company announced its production capacity had been expanded to 180 tons/year, with plans for further expansion to 400 tons/year. Key Trends in the Graphene Batteries Industry Graphene Batteries for the Next Medical Revolution For decades, researchers and healthcare professionals have evaluated the possibilities of incorporating graphene into materials related to artificial implants in order to enhance its durability. Graphene’s biocompatibility, along with its mechanical strength and electrical conductivity, can be used for organs requiring similar attributes such as spinal and nerve elements. Scientists from Michigan Technology University are working on developing 3D print replacement nerves using 3D bioprinting technologies. They have already developed polymer elements that can act as a medium for growing tissues and are now working on incorporating graphene as the electrical conductor. Graphene oxide — the oxidized form of graphene — is a carbon substance that has medicinal applications. It has great potential as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic tool for cancer. For instance, researchers from China have built a single-cell sensor based on graphene field-effect transistors for the detection of even a single cancerous cell. Nevertheless, more prominent is the potential of graphene in cancer treatment. For instance, scientists at the University of Manchester found that graphene oxide may act as an anti-cancer agent that kills cancer cells. If combined with other existing treatments, this could lead to the prevention of cancer metastasis and tumor shrinkage. On the other hand, bio-sensing is a growing field that has a lot of medical applications. Graphene can be used in detecting food toxins, germs and bacteria, and environmental pollution. Graphene oxide binds to the toxins to produce an enhanced signal, enabling Hyper-sensitive sensors to detect toxins at about 10x times faster than existing sensors. Besides, it can be used to detect blood microparticles that are released just before a person experiences a heart attack. Currently, similar other sensors are under research and development for the detection of a wide range of diseases, biomarkers, and toxins. The Future of Energy Storage The global energy storage market is flourishing. With the growing popularity of renewable energies, energy storage has become a topic of interest for researchers. Since power generation from renewable energy sources like solar and wind doesn’t always match the growing energy demand, a different approach to energy storage is required. With the increasing prominence of electric vehicles, many startups and organizations are thinking of new ways to develop cheap, high energy, and reliable battery storage technology. The existing storage systems have high energy and high-power density. A lithium-ion (li-ion) battery has high-power density but is unsuitable for large-scale applications. Graphene supercapacitors are considered the next generation of energy storage technology, exhibiting immensely superior performance to traditional batteries. Essentially, graphene could bring forth many new features for energy-storage systems, including transparent batteries, smaller capacitors, high-capacity and fast-charging batteries, and entirely reliable and even rollable-energy storage systems. Undoubtedly, graphene has changed the energy storage scenario due to its extraordinary electrochemical properties and exceptional combination of large surface area, mechanical properties, and high electronic conductivity. Nevertheless, the full potential of such systems has yet to be realized. There are many challenges that need to be solved concerning the reliable techniques for the low-cost mass production of graphene. Many studies are yet to be conducted for resolving the current challenges using theoretical estimations together with experimental efforts. Additionally, scientists need to study the interaction of graphene sheets at the nanoscale to form different shapes and dimensionalities to open the road for more potential applications for graphene. The research for graphene energy storage devices is expected to continue to expand over the next few years with the promise that it will change our lives. Space Applications The mass of energy system components in a spacecraft can constitute a major segment in the overall spacecraft mass. To reduce the mass required for storage batteries in spacecraft and meet increasingly growing satellite energy requirements, an advanced energy storage system is required. Currently, graphite is used as an anode in li-ion batteries. The use of graphene to replace graphite shows high potential in providing high gravimetric capacity while also considering rational cycling stability. Future technologies should be able to endure 3-5 operational lifetimes, represent cycling stability after 20,000 cycles, and maintain stable capacity. Graphene Batteries: New Frontiers of Growth Thriving Portable Electronics Market The adoption of graphene could drive technological advancement to unforeseen places, enabling both long-lasting and high-performance devices. Its minimal ecological and technical shortcomings also show great promise for its sustainability in the marketplace. Future mobile devices packing graphene power cells would represent the benefits mentioned above. Headsets would be able to charge faster, batteries would last more a day, and devices would be light in weight. Graphene could provide 60% or more capacity than traditional batteries. You won’t have to pay for expensive battery replacements to keep your old devices functioning. Need Information Regarding The Solid-State Battery Market, Click Here To Download Report Graphene batteries would result in thinner and lighter smartphones with more battery capacity while keeping the same proportions. Although the technology remains some years away, it’s a game-changing prospect for mobile devices, electric vehicles, and much more. A Rise in Sales of Electric Vehicles Capacitors and supercapacitors are other segments that graphene is infiltrating. The primary reason for using graphene is that it has high conductivity, surface area, and stability that can be used to collect and store charge — which is the key mechanism of energy storage in supercapacitors. Graphene can be used in the plates of supercapacitors to form an efficient electric double-layered coating in order to store large amounts of energy. Supercapacitors do not have as many applications as batteries and other capacitors because of its expensive nature. However, there is a high chance that supercapacitors will witness an elevated growth in the future over any other energy storage system. As it seems, various companies have already commercialized graphene-based supercapacitors; thus, the supply will heighten if this demand increase does materialize. In 2017, well-known automobile manufacturer Lamborghini announced a partnership with MIT to build the TerzoMillennio — a technology for an electric supercar driven by graphene-based materials built into its carbon fiber network. In 2019, Ford launched its all-electric Mustang Mach-E, a part of its USD 11 billion plan to manufacture 40 all-electric and hybrid cars by 2022. The Future of Graphene-Enhanced Batteries Currently, graphene is still in its nascent stages in terms of its commercialization as battery technology. There are still many challenges to overcome, including its extremely high manufacturing cost. As the manufacturing process becomes more affordable and refine, the possible applications of graphene will considerably grow. The most encouraging utilization of graphene is its integration with li-ion batteries, done by integrating it into the cathodes and anodes of the battery. In short, anode and cathode are the points at which energy flows in and out of the battery, thereby generating the maximum heat. By increasing the conductivity and decreasing the resistance, more energy can be transferred at a faster rate. Companies such as Microsoft, Tesla, and Samsung have shown high enthusiasm in the development of graphene batteries. With more investments in graphene battery technology, we can expect to see more developments in the field. With more advancement in battery technology, efficiency is bound to increase. With the infiltration of graphene in batteries, the possibilities of applications are endless. Although it’s hard to predict the exact advancement of batteries, it’s safe to say that graphene will be a significant part of the next step of battery technology.
Is Tesla Making a Graphene Battery?
Wondering if Tesla is making a graphene battery? The short answer is “not yet.” But there’s more to the story than that.
The worldwide popularity of Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) offerings such as the Model 3 sedan has been good news for important battery metals such as lithium, graphite and cobalt, which are used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
The Model 3 in particular appeals to consumers — with its US40,000 price tag, Tesla believes it will help make EVs available to the masses. According to Statista, it’s the world’s best-selling plug-in EV model, with global unit sales of more than 500,000 in 2020.
Because Tesla’s EVs run on lithium-ion batteries, demand for lithium, along with graphite and cobalt, is expected to increase as Tesla sells more of its cars. But some investors are wondering whether Tesla’s lithium-ion batteries may eventually include another interesting material: A single-layer crystalline allotrope of carbon known as graphene.
Why the speculation about graphene batteries from Tesla? Read on to find out.
What’s the difference between current lithium-ion batteries and batteries that use graphene?
Seen as the “wonder material” of the 21st century, graphene has an impressive list of characteristics: It conducts electricity better than copper, and is impermeable to gases, 200 times stronger than steel (but six times lighter) and almost transparent. Further, its properties can be altered when chemical components are added to its surface.
Those qualities give graphene seemingly endless applications, though most still aren’t commercially available. Lithium-ion batteries are just one of many areas where experts see major potential for graphene technology.
For example, graphene’s high electrical conductivity can increase energy density and accelerate chemical reactions within lithium-ion batteries. This in turn provides greater power transfer and faster charge speeds with less heat. Aside from that, graphene’s mechanical properties can add stability for electrode materials.
Is Tesla researching graphene?
So could graphene really be used to make better lithium-ion batteries? And if so, is that something Tesla is pursuing? The short answer is “not yet,” but there’s more to the story than that.
Here’s a brief overview of what you should know about Tesla and graphene:
- 500 mile graphene battery: China’s Xinhua News Agency is largely responsible for rumors that Tesla may be making a graphene battery. Why? All the way back in 2014, the news outlet published an article stating that Tesla was working on a graphene battery that could nearly double the range of the Model S car to 500 miles.
- Tesla CEO Elon Musk chimes in: Xinhua’s story was given credence because around the same time it came out, Musk said that he thought it would be possible to create an EV with a range of 500 miles. “In fact we could do it quite soon, but it would increase the price,” he said. However, he didn’t specify that graphene would be used to create such a vehicle.
- Market watchers pile on: Together, the article and comment from Musk understandably created an uproar in the graphene community — click here or here to get a sense of some of the commentary on the topic. Notably, market watchers pointed out that, while a graphene battery might be great for mileage, the cost of graphene could make it prohibitively expensive.
- Excitement subsides: With no new reports on Tesla’s graphene plans, excitement about the 500 mile battery faded. Sources show that Tesla batteries, produced by Panasonic (OTC Pink:PCRFF,TSE:6752), have a maximum 330 mile range among the company’s top-line models.
- Interest returns again: In mid-2019, Tesla acquired Maxwell Technologies. Notably, Maxwell offers fast-charging capabilities through its supercapacitors. Graphene supercapacitors have the ability to store incredible amounts of energy compared to regular capacitors.
That’s where the situation stands today. While a graphene battery from Tesla is certainly a compelling idea, as of yet there’s been no confirmation that the company actually has one in the works.
Why is Tesla not making graphene battery vehicles?
Unsurprisingly, there are hurdles to commercializing the use of graphite materials in batteries, and these may be deterring Tesla. For one, there are density challenges that impact the safety and strength of lithium batteries in EVs. Issues surrounding conductivity, which can ultimately degrade the overall battery capacity, still remain as well.
That said, there are other companies interested in the idea of graphene batteries that might someday power EVs.
Nanotech Energy is developing graphene-enhanced batteries for portable electronics and EVs. Taiwan-based financial services business Fubon Financial Holding recently made a US64 million investment in the company.
In early 2020, Spain-based Graphenano reported that together with a Chinese partner it is developing a graphene polymer-based battery that would allow for a range of up to 500 kilometers and a recharge time of under five minutes.
There’s also a Spanish startup called Earthdas that has made a graphene battery that charges electric motorcycles and bikes in only five minutes. It may only be a matter of time before it can be used for other vehicles.
Also in 2020, Chinese EV maker GAC Group (HKEX:2238) announced the development of a graphene-enhanced battery that can be charged up to 80 percent in eight minutes. In the fall of 2021, GAC launched a version of its Aion V Plus car with this fast-charging technology. The catch? These vehicles require special chargers, and they aren’t yet abundant.
Aside from that, Australia-based Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG) (TSXV:GMG,OTC Pink:GMGMF) claims to have developed graphene aluminum-ion battery cells that can reportedly charge up to 70 times faster than conventional lithium-ion cells while holding up to three times the energy as conventional aluminum-based cells. According to the company, its graphene aluminum-ion cell was recently cycled 2,000 times with no performance losses.
GMG Managing Director Craig Nicol has said the company’s cell technology could be made to fit inside vehicles’ current lithium-ion housings. “Ours will be the same shape and voltage as the current lithium-ion cells, or we can move to whatever shape is necessary,” he said. GMG has continued to advance its work in 2022.
Overall, it appears that Tesla is not the final answer on the graphene battery. But graphene is considered the “wonder material” of the 21st century; if Tesla wants to keep up with the competition, it’s possible graphene batteries may be a part of its future.
This is an updated version of an article first published by the Investing News Network in 2016.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.