A graphene battery arrives from Valencia, more efficient, more sustainable and longer lasting

With the increase in sales of electric cars, the battery technology has been experiencing growth and various very promising advances. The batteries of the electric cars that will be sold in 2023 have little to do with those of the first electric cars. And little by little, progress is being made.

One of those advances was born in Valencia, from the hand of Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) of the University of Valencia and the company Graphenano. It is a battery that does without current collectors and without metal terminals. Instead, it uses graphene and carbon nanomaterials.

Metal-free and with higher energy density

In the words of researchers from the University of Valencia, they have been able to remove copper, aluminum or steel sheets that are used in traditional batteries to evacuate energy. The terminals that use nickel and other elements have also been removed, so their use is more sustainable and does not require these precious materials to function.

This composition achieves that Both the volume and weight of these batteries are considerably lower than those of a traditional battery made from other materials. At the same time, it is achieved that The energy density is between 30 and 60% higher.

Using smaller batteries will reduce the environmental impact

Battery size can significantly impact environmental factors. Want to know why? We'll tell you!

In addition, they have a plus. Thanks to their design, they have achieved that the risk of fire on contact with air and explosion is eliminated. Due to the reduced weight thanks to the battery composition, the battery shielding can also be dispensed with. This will result in cars that are lighter and that will be able to see their autonomy increased, both due to the higher energy density and the lower weight of the battery pack.

The application of this battery technology is still It is not planned for a specific dateIt is currently in the patenting phase and there is still a long way to go before it works. But it has something else in its favour, and that is that it does not require changes in the cell assembly lines, which will facilitate its introduction into the electric mobility industry.