IBM develops next-generation battery technology that eliminates the need for heavy metals

Battery materials have always been a topic of concern in the market, hoping to solve problems such as energy storage efficiency and pollution. From lead/acid to lithium-ion, heavy metals and hazardous chemicals can plague battery system design and bring various problems in deployment, use and recycling.

In order to meet the demand for cleaner alternative energy storage solutions, IBM recently created a new battery technology that can help eliminate the need for heavy metals in battery production. In turn, this will change the long-term sustainable maintenance of energy infrastructure, allowing battery storage systems to be safely deployed in facilities, vehicles and smart grids.

Currently, many batteries contain hazardous materials, including heavy metals such as nickel and cobalt, which pose a huge risk to the environment. In addition, the materials required by the electronics industry (especially cobalt) will cause pollution during mining.

A team at IBM Research used three new and different proprietary materials to develop a chemistry for battery design that does not use heavy metals or other potentially problematic materials and is directly extracted from seawater, so it has a price advantage.

This advanced battery composition also has higher performance potential and can surpass traditional lithium-ion batteries in terms of cost, charging time, power and energy density, energy efficiency, and flammability.

The design was developed in IBM's battery lab and uses cobalt and nickel-free cathode materials and safe liquid electrolytes. The cathode and electrolyte can inhibit the crystallization of lithium metal during charging, thereby reducing flammability and the risk of battery failure.

After optimization, the battery design density exceeds 10,000 W/L and has a longer life cycle, which can meet the life and stability requirements of smart grid applications and energy infrastructure. To accelerate commercialization, IBM has co-created a next-generation battery development ecosystem with Mercedes-Benz North American Research, Central Glass and Sidus.