Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in battery technology by developing a new design composed of an array of nanobatteries, promising enhanced longevity and storage capacity. These nanobatteries feature nanostructured electrodes, known for their large surface area and short ion transport time, which enable higher storage capacity and longer lifespans. The new battery comprises a parallel array of nanotubes, each containing electrodes and a liquid electrolyte within anodic aluminum oxide nanopores. The coaxial tubular structure, with an outer nanotube of ruthenium (Ru) and an inner nanotube of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), significantly improves electrical storage retention and cycle life. This innovative configuration retains over 80 percent of its initial energy storage after 1,000 cycles, outperforming traditional designs.

This advancement addresses previous challenges faced by 3-D nanostructured batteries, such as low charge retention and uneven current densities. The new design avoids the complexities of wired circuits by using liquid electrolytes to connect battery circuits, effectively integrating multiple components for better performance. Comparative tests demonstrated that the V2O5/Ru nanotube configuration offers much higher electrical storage potential than traditional planar arrangements. With three times the electrical storage capacity and ten times the cycle life of earlier nanowire battery devices, this development paves the way for more durable and efficient batteries, potentially revolutionizing portable electronic devices like smartphones and tablets.

Date: 11/23/2014

Source: https://arstechnica.com/science/2014/11/new-battery-composed-of-lots-of-nanobatteries/