Physorg - What holds energy tech back? The infernal battery
In a popular press article, the humble battery is given as the major barrier to the mass-production of clean and efficient technology. The first battery was invented in 1800 and in the 200 years since, there have been approximately 5 different kinds of rechargeable batteries developed. The problems are legion: understanding and manipulating the complex chemistry involved in making a new kind of battery, being able to manufacture it, and, finally (or perhaps fundamentally) having to make a decision about which two traits to emphasize, since they are considered to be in tension: make a batter that contains a lot of storage, or make one that discharges a lot of energy quickly? Extra storage means slower discharges, at least under the current rubric. The lithium-ion battery is considered the state-of-the-art in a mass-producible battery, but it has downsides. It contains flammable materials, and it can't hold enough energy to give enough fuel to the kinds of cars we're used to. It seems some engineers believe the lithium-ion battery can be tinkered with to give it even more storage, while others believe there needs to be another breakthrough. The Obama administration has funded a "mini-Manhattan" project and put $2Bl toward it in an effort to make the next wave of batteries.
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