The
race for the creation of long-lasting batteries at a global level is not
shifting towards nanotechnology by using minuscule elements as a
breakthrough. Improvements in the performance of batteries are crucial for the
development success of various technologies ranging from solar and wind energy
to the formation of electric cars. Batteries need to be more efficient as they
are expected to hold more energy to stay long-lasting, safer and
cheaper than previous technologies.
In
this regard, nanostructured engineering is emerging as an efficient approach
that can enhance electrochemical performance because of particular chemical and
physical properties, including small size, desirable composition, and
availability of porous structure, quantum and surface effect. The application
of nanotechnology is vast in various fields, which is more evident in energy
storage. Nanoscale designs and techniques for organic materials not only
increase electrochemical activity but also reduce diffusion paths such as
porous nanomaterials. Nanomaterials also interact efficiently with conductive
species, ultimately improving electrode conductivity.
The
utilisation of nanotechnology in battery manufacturing comes with various
benefits. Nanotechnology increases battery’s available power while reducing the
time for its recharge. Nanoparticles are coated on the surface of electrodes to
increase the battery life. This also increases the surface area, allowing
increased current flow to pass between the electrodes and chemicals of the battery.
This technology can be utilized as an alternative in improved hybrid vehicle while
enhancing its efficiency. In hybrid vehicles, the weight of batteries can be
reduced while efficiently generating the appropriate power required in
batteries. Extending the shelf life of a battery by using nanomaterials for the
separation of liquids from solid electrodes is also one of the benefits that
come with the utilization of nanotechnology in batteries. This separation
eliminates the low-level discharge in conventional batteries therefore
increasing and extending the batteries' shelf life.
Nano
chains are made up of nanoparticles of the same element, which are used for
gathering and formation of a chain-like structure. Antimony, a well-known
metalloid used for the improvement of lithium-ion charge capacity in batteries,
is commonly used for the creation of a net-like nano chain structure. Lithium
ions and electrons move faster because of the chain-like structure, which
reduces the charging time while increasing the capacity due to permitted
expansion during charging. This improvement in conventional and standard
lithium-ion battery electrodes is added by using graphite electrodes.
Because
of its increased theoretical capacity, Fe2O3, Fe3O4 is
another form of iron oxide that has been employed as anodes for lithium-ion
batteries. Silicon is considered as an alternative and a possible solution to
currently used graphite anode because of its high energy density and its
extraordinarily high theoretical capacity of 4000 mAh g-1. In
comparison to silicon, graphite anodes have a theoretical capacity of less
than 400 mAh g-1 in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries.
Furthermore, silicon anodes large volumetric capacity, which is above 8000 mAh
cm-3, makes it an excellent element for its application requiring
high energy density, for example, utilisation of LIBs in electric cars.
Various
approaches are now being studied, which include covering the electrode surface
with nanoparticles, nanowires, or other nanostructures that can efficiently
boost the power of the battery through nanotechnology. While the battery is
being charged, lithium ions are stored in the anode; increasing the number of
stored ions will directly increase the electrical power stored in the battery.
Various lithium-ion battery researchers and organisations are constantly
employing nanomaterials producing the anodes having a higher density of sides
for lithium-ion attachment. This method can enhance the surface area of
electrodes allowing the possibility of increased lithium-ion storage.
Changing these items alters the electrochemical process while improving battery
power output for any given weight. By considerably decreasing the battery weight
or expanding the range of hybrid or electric cars, these strategies can
yield better output.
The
diffusion speed and charge transfer speed in Lithium-ion diffusion are
considered to be major parameters that influence the reaction kinetics in
organic cathodes. However, because the diffusion speed of lithium ions is
frequently slower than the charge transfer speed, the different speed of
Li-ion is the most important component in the electrochemical reaction kinetics
of organic cathodes. Nanostructures may significantly reduce the diffusion
route of Li-ion, and Li-ion can conduct rapidly in-plane, resulting in
widespread use on organic cathodes due to their unique surface features.
Because of typical shape, numerous holes and increased specific surface area,
typical 2D organic MOFs are promising for cathodes. 3D organic nanomaterials,
like other low-dimensional organic nanomaterials, have a large specific surface
area and an open electrical transmission channel. Furthermore, in comparison to
other dimensions, these 3D organic nanomaterials mainly create a porous
structure that enhances active sites and ions transfer, as well as releasing a
certain amount of volume expansion for the maintenance of the structure while
charging and discharging. As a result, the use of 3D organic electrodes is
increasing. 3D Nano-sized organic anodes made of polymeric materials, 3D
molecular composite-based organic anodes, and organic anodes with the 3D
conductive framework including carbon fibre and carbon paper.
Pure
lithium metal is a popular material to be used in batteries. Dendrites grow on
the surface of the anode, creating a branch-like structure having the capacity
to puncture and harm the battery because of its high reactivity. The use of carbon
nanotube film to wrap the lithium metal foil is evident to counteract this
procedure. The coating produces dendrite formation by preventing Li-ions from
latching onto lithium metal anode. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon
nanofibers (CNFs), along with one-day organic nanowires and other fibres, are
active materials for organic anodes and cathodes.
Nanotechnology,
despite its small size, is capable of making a huge impact in the
development and manufacture of batteries. Patterns and gaps in the
performance of batteries by using high-quality battery test equipment and
identification of areas that are hindering the performance of the battery can
be improved by nanotechnology. Nanoengineering is a prevalent technique for
dealing with volume and growth while improving the kinetics of electrochemical
processes.
References:
https://www.jecst.org/journal/view.php?number=335
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