How Strategic Metals Could Drive Next-Gen Li-Ion Batteries

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11/2/2020

How Strategic Metals Could Drive Next-Gen Li-Ion Batteries | by BatteryBits | BatteryBits | Oct, 2020 | Medium

How Strategic Metals Could Drive Next-Gen Li-Ion Batteries BatteryBits

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Oct 12 · 8 min read

This story is contributed by Guilherme Luís Cordeiro

· With the goal of further reducing ─ or even eliminating ─ cobalt and moving beyond the energy limits of the present cathode generation, Group 5 metals could enable battery electrode designs with demonstrated capacities in excess of 250 mAh/g in the next ten years. · Group 5 metals excel at safety and power density beyond extending the lifespan of the electrochemical system. · Group 5 metals may advance nickel-rich cathodes for batteries and lead the way to charging EVs as fast as filling up conventional cars. Vanadium, niobium and tantalum may find their way into more vehicle batteries to boost performance.

Specimen of ferroniobium, an important iron-niobium alloy (image from Revista Pesquisa Fapesp)

Lithium-ion batteries are at the heart of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. As such, they are a critical component in reducing carbon footprint from transportation. But how do we move around in a low-carbon world without relying heavily on batteries that need cobalt — a key ingredient that has been linked to human rights abuses, corruption, environmental destruction, and child labor?

https://medium.com/batterybits/how-strategic-metals-could-drive-next-gen-li-ion-batteries-f680b2c20656

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