SEAWEED TO INCREASE THE AUTONOMY OF EVO BATTERIES

Researchers from Bristol have just discovered the impact of marine algae on one of the major problems of sodium batteries: dendrites. This alternative battery to lithium (cheaper with higher energy density) has a problem with dendrite growth that, when they enter the battery separator, cause a short circuit.

Nanomaterials made from algae could prove to be a very successful battery separator; not only preventing sodium electrode crystals from entering the separator, but also improving battery performance substantially.

“Greener forms of energy storage are possible, without being destructive to the environment in their production,” said Professor Steve Eichhorn, leader of the research project.

This technology, which seems promising, still needs to be tested in the long term, and the durability of the sodium battery will also need to be closely monitored.