Non-stop power from a battery with unlimited shelf life. Sounds like a pipe dream, right? Maybe not. Scientists at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have developed an eco-friendly silicon-air battery capable of powering devices for thousands of hours before replacement.
The batteries are created from silicon and oxygen, are lightweight, and have a high tolerance for both extremely dry conditions and high humidity. The creators say that the new battery could be used for medical applications like hearing aids or diabetic pumps, but also for microelectronics and sensors.
“Silicon-air batteries will be used like the ones already in use today. But by using silicon—a safe, non-toxic, stable and more common material—we can create very lightweight batteries with infinite shelf life and high energy capacity.” – lead researcher Yair Ein-Eli
The built-in cathode of conventional batteries is not present in silicon-air batteries, so significant savings could be realized in both weight and cost. The oxygen in our atmosphere is the cathode in silicon-air batteries and current metal-air batteries (used in hearing aids already). Because silicon and oxygen are the two most abundant elements on our planet, this battery could be a breakthrough in clean energy manufacturing.
The researchers estimate that silicon-air batteries can be made more powerful and rechargeable as well in three or four years, and in ten years, it might be possible to build batteries for electric cars from silicon that can be recycled over and over again.
The research was published in the October 2009 issue of Electrochemistry Communications.
About Derek Markham
Ah so all we have to do is somehow convert sand into the apparently camera-shy battery you have so vaguely described without the any concern for facts or references. Problem solved. Smooth sailing from here on out!
this is amazing
too bad it will get snuffed out by big money and politics
just like all the other great inventions that threaten big money earnings
wait
this is not from america
it may just become a reality!
Nah, won’t be adopted because silicone and oxygen is way too plentiful. Until some backward country has a stranglehold on sand then it will be adopted. After all, it is the American Way to be beholden to Middle Eastern Shiekdoms, isn’t it?
These technological leaps in certain fields will advance us TENFOLDS! baby i cant wait.
this will be very interesting and useful
if they can make it so that type of battery is available in all electronics, it would be awesome. how long a battery last is a big concern for a lot of people and everybody always wants a battery that can last a little bit longer
If this is a real possibility, it can be one of the greatest inventions ever!
The problem with these type of batteries is that they do not provide alot of power.
How about the recovery time of these batteries? I mean are they good for camera flashes?
this is a fantastic idea
That would be amazing to turn something that is naturally produced in abundance to power for us. Very cool.
What a great post! Thanks a lot for putting it up.
Your girl, KatieP
If it actually works, then sign me up.
Wonderful idea- now lets see it in action….
There will be serious quarrel between Better Place and Technion, in Israel, if this battery goes well …
it can be one of the greatest inventions ever!
What a great post! Thanks a lot for putting it up.That’s a great idea i must say!!Greatest invention ever..
It would be awesome. how long a battery last is a big concern for a lot of people and everybody always wants a battery that can last a little bit longer.
I think that’s a great idea..it will be very helpful in conserving unnecessary wastage of batteries..
how long a battery last is a big concern for a lot of people and everybody always wants a battery that can last a little bit longer
a battery with 6,000 hours life span? this could mean that if drive my car for an hour per day (average) i only need to charge my car once in every 6,000 days or 16.4 years! wow! bring it on!