Silicon Nanopores Could Increase Lithium Ion Battery Capacity By 10x
Posted By Ariel Schwartz On October 20, 2010 @ 6:00 pm In green gadgets | 3 Comments
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A team of researchers from Rice University and Lockheed Martin have found that silicon nanopores (micron-sized pores on top of silicon wafers) can increase lithium-ion [5] battery capacity by 10 times. Since silicon has the highest theoretical capacity for storing lithium of any material, the discovery could lead to super-long lasting batteries.
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The research isn’t unprecedented — earlier this year, MIT researchers found that carbon nanotubes [7] could boost the power of lithium ion batteries by 10 times. The new silicon nanopores, however, are stronger and easier [8] to create. They also last a long time — up to 200-250 charge and discharge cycles.
The silicon nanopore-containing lithium ion [5] batteries are still a long way off, however. But ultimately, the researchers believe that their method could extend the lifespan of batteries used in everything from electric vehicles to laptops.
Via EurekaAlert [9]
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[4] Image: http://inhabitat.com/2010/10/20/silicon-nanopores-could-increase-lithium-ion-battery-capacity-by-10x/nanopores-ed01/
[5] lithium-ion: http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/14/1-trillion-afghan-mineral-deposits-will-affect-green-technologies/
[6] Image: http://inhabitat.com/2010/10/20/silicon-nanopores-could-increase-lithium-ion-battery-capacity-by-10x/nanopores-ed02/
[7] carbon nanotubes: http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/06/21/mit-uses-carbon-nanotubes-to-boost-lithium-battery-power-10x/
[8] easier: http://inhabitat.com/2010/03/08/thermopower-wavesmit-scientists-discover-new-way-to-produce-electricity/
[9] EurekaAlert: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-10/ru-ss101310.php
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