Journal 4, June 7

http://beta.technologyreview.com/energy/22689/page2/

BASF, a company based in Germany, and Sion Power based in Arizona are partnering in the further development of lithium-sulfur batteries. Lithium-sulfur batteries which can hold twice as much energy as lithium-ion batteries are becoming an evolved prospect for battery use in electric cars. Currently, the technology still has many things to work out including overheating, high cost, and chemical technology improvements.

BASF, the world’s leading chemical company will contribute vast knowledge in materials development and hopes to expedite the process of bringing the new technology to market reports and article in Drug Week. With the world more focused on renewable energies, this is a timely partnership for the chemical giant and a re-chargeable battery developer with growing potential and proprietary knowledge within the marketplace.

The plan however between in the strategic partnership is to make improvements to the lithium-sulfur technology including the capacity to increase driving distance by 5 to 10 times what is currently provided by the lithium-ion technology. Currently the theoretical capacity of electrodes for lithium-sulfur batteries is twice as much as the current technology. However, in order to produce this capacity efficiently and consistently within the new lithium-sulfur technology has posed some difficulties.

First, sulfur is a conservational energy material and makes it hard for the electrodes to move in and out of the medium. The electrodes, which inevitably enact the charge and create the energy to fuel the battery, would need to be channeled in such a way that would make flow between the sulfur materials easier. Additionally, sulfur binds to lithium and this process can create a post-mediary substance that can dissolve into the battery’s liquid and can stop the battery from working after just a dozen cycles.

There are many plans to cure the issues with the lithium-sulfur battery including insertion of ceramic membranes to separate the interaction of sulfur and lithium. This would remedy short-circuiting and overheating. There is also new research that combining the sulfur with carbon can improve and increase the number of cycles the battery will last.

This technology is very timely, especially in America. In 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was passed that allocated $2 billion for the development and manufacture of advanced automotive batteries. Therefore, this gives companies more incentives to produce greener technologies for many different industries. With investment now, and further partnerships between companies with complimentary core competencies, the development of green technologies will increase and improve our lifestyles now and for the future.

Sources:
http://www.sionpower.com/

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