There is a clear need to increase energy densities of batteries for use in electric vehicles and airplanes. Using Li-O2 is a solution with theoretical energy densities close to 3500( Wh/Kg), cheap to manufacture as carbon is the cathode material used instead of costly metals as is the case with Li-ion batteries. Carbon-Nano-tube(CNT) is the state of the art material being used for manufacturing Li-O2 battery cathodes as of now. The use of CNT for cathode is expensive and uses environmentally toxic material for its manufacturing.
Researchers at George Washington University has developed a novel idea to use carbon-nano-chains (CNC) as cathode material for Li-O2 Batteries. The use of CNC would replace the use of Carbon-Nano-tube(CNT). CNC which is easier and cost effective to manufacture and environmentally benign could possibly be manufactured using Cellulose, wood flour and even biomass.
Application
- Cathode material for Li-O2 Batteries
Advantage
- Cost Effective
- Environmentally benign
