Charged instead of refueled – e-mobility is picking up speed. However, there is also a braking factor: the underlying battery technology still leaves something to be desired. But something is happening! In its January issue, bild der Wissenschaft reports on the progress and challenges in the areas of loading times, capacities, raw material requirements and recycling.
More and more cars are whirring quietly and emission-free through our streets: E-mobility is trendy because it is becoming more and more attractive: The switch from internal combustion to electric motors seems sensible with regard to the environment and the climate, and the practicability of the technology has become clear in recent years increased. There has also been significant progress in terms of range and charging time. Nevertheless, battery technology still represents the greatest challenge for scientists and engineers in the field of e-mobility: The development of safe and increasingly powerful energy storage systems is in demand.
In the first article of the three-part title topic “Batteries for the E-World”, bdw technology editor Ralf Butscher focuses on the development of so-called solid-state batteries. In contrast to today’s lithium-ion batteries, these storage systems do not contain any liquid, but only solid materials. They can therefore not leak or burn and thus increase the level of safety in electrical engineering. In addition, it is hoped that performance will increase, which is why automobile manufacturers are investing a lot of money in the development of solid-state batteries. Butscher examines the extent to which the systems can do what they promise. According to this, there is indeed potential, but some problems with material and manufacturing technology are still unsolved.
About performance, raw material requirements and recycling
Then bdw author Jan Berndorff focuses on the problem of the enormous demand for raw materials for the booming electromobility. It is primarily about lithium. Up to ten kilograms of this alkali metal can be found in an electric car battery. So far it has only been promoted in a few regions of the world – often with environmental damage. In addition, lithium has to be transported to us over long distances. As Berndorff reports, some of the coveted metal could come from domestic sources in the future: mines in the Ore Mountains and the Alps offer the opportunity to mine lithium-containing minerals. Another concept is based on geothermal energy: together with geothermal energy, lithium can be obtained from deep water. Nevertheless, it is becoming apparent that the enormous demand will probably not be met from domestic deposits alone.
However, recycling technology could also make a contribution to the lithium supply, as can be seen in the article “Treasure chest old battery”. As bdw author Klaus Sieg reports in it, in addition to the alkali metal, other valuable substances could also be recovered from the old batteries. However, the procedures involved are trickier than you might think. But solutions are in the works: A process that the Technical University of Braunschweig is involved in developing is particularly promising, reports Sieg.
You can find out more in the January issue of bild der Wissenschaft, which will be available in stores from December 21st.