New type of carbon battery lasts longer and charges faster than lithium-ion

Japanese researchers have developed a new type of battery that offers numerous advantages over regular models. The batteries have an anode and cathode made of carbon and are therefore more environmentally friendly, but they also last longer and are safer.

The researchers at Power Japan Plus call their invention the ‘ryden dual carbon battery’. The energy density is comparable to lithium-ion alternatives, but they charge 20 times faster and can deliver more voltage with 4 volts. In addition, with charging cycles of 3000 times, they have a relatively long lifespan, where they can be charged and emptied for the full 100 percent, without the risk of damage.

The batteries are also safe, according to the makers: “The Ryden battery does not use the unstable active materials used in other high-performance batteries, which means there is significantly less chance of fire and explosion,” they claim. The batteries were developed in collaboration with Japan’s Kyushu University.

The battery contains an organic electrolyte and an anode and cathode of carbon and is also not equipped with rare earth metals, which should improve recyclability and improve production costs. The existing battery production lines can also be used for production, which means that there are few start-up costs.

Later this year, Power Japan Plus will start production of 18650 Ryden cells for use in medical equipment and satellites. For other applications, such as those for electric cars, the company will license production. The announcement is one of many in this area. Due to the shortcomings of current battery and accumulator techniques, in terms of energy density, lifespan and use of polluting and rare metals, a lot of research is being done into better technology.