Lithium Sulfur Battery a Possible Revelation

Lithium Sulfur Battery vs Lithium Ion

Electric vehicle manufacturers are faced with a major problem: How to create smaller, longer-lasting batteries. Consequently, they’ve navigated the periodic table in finding a suitable mineral. Meanwhile, lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries remain the best solution. However, the lithium sulfur battery shows immense promise. Praised for its high energy storage capacity, the lithium sulfur battery could be the EV industry’s saving grace.

READ: Polymer Sponge Lining Doubles Li-Ion Battery Life

However, a major problem delays the party. Li-Ion batteries can be charged over 1,000 times. This explains their presence in nearly every home in the developed world.

Meanwhile, Li-sulfur batteries last just 50-100 charges.

The Wait for Solid State Batteries

Due to this fact, the technology hasn’t been widely adopted. Furthermore, manufacturers have directed their attention to the ‘next generation’ of lithium batteries.

Solid-state Li-Ion batteries are expected to drastically increase storage capacity. Additionally, they’re safer. While modern Li-Ion batteries rely on liquid electrolytes, solid-state alternatives reduce the likelihood of combustion. However, experts disagree on when this technology will hit the market. Panasonic’s North American CEO, Tom Gebhardt, recently spoke to this. Regrettably, he believes that solid-state batteries are over a decade away.

“We’re still pretty bullish on lithium ion but clearly understand that solid state is something that we all want to get to at some point in the future.”

Lithium’s Role in Clean Energy Tech

Consequently, the lithium sulfur battery could benefit. Once researchers improve its lifecycle, it will enjoy a popular run.

As electric vehicle adoption grows, lithium-powered batteries are increasingly relied upon. Currently, consumer electronics still account for more than half of global lithium consumption. However, this is expected to change with further EV adoption. Be it the lithium sulfur battery or its solid-state Li-Ion replacement, lithium’s importance can’t be understated.

With no replacement in sight, the mineral is quickly becoming this generation’s most valuable resource.

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Ultra Lithium Inc. A team of lithium experts with a finger on the pulse of clean energy news, Ultra Lithium is a lithium exploration company with holdings in Argentina, Canada and the US (TSX-V: ULI, OTCQB: ULTXF and Frankfurt: QFB).