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  • AI-generated photo of battery in a pile of salt with blue lightning bolts.

    Sodium battery anodes in just 30 seconds

    Shane Lasley, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 14, 2024

    The secret to serving up the perfect sodium-ion battery is to slow-cook the cathode and microwave the anode. On the heels of an Argonne National Laboratory discovery that demonstrates slow heating is the secret to more durable and longer-lasting sodium-ion battery cathodes, a research team at the Nano Hybrid Technology Research Center of the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) found that the best way to prepare the anode material is to stick it in the microwave... Full story

  • Scientist examining an experiment in a specialized chamber.

    Core breakthrough for sodium-ion batteries

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 8, 2024

    Argonne National Lab scientists discover method to prevent cracks in sodium-ion battery cathodes, increasing lifespan. A breakthrough from Argonne National Laboratory may have paved the way for a new era of affordable, sustainable sodium-ion batteries. As the global push for clean energy accelerates, batteries have become essential for powering electric vehicles and storing renewable energy. While lithium-ion batteries remain the standard due to their high energy density and m... Full story

  • Rendered stack of metallic solid-state battery pouch cells.

    European partnership develops solid state

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 2, 2024

    H2020 SOLiDIFY consortium manufactures a powerful, inexpensive solid-state lithium battery. As the coordinator of the H2020 SOLiDIFY consortium, imec, together with 13 European partners, has announced the successful development of a high-performance lithium solid-state battery using a manufacturing process that is both cost-effective and compatible with existing lithium-ion production lines, making it a contender for commercial use – meaning prospective client manufacturers w...

  • Electra's facility focused on cobalt refining and battery recycling.

    Electra, Three Fires form recycling company

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 2, 2024

    New venture aims to recover critical minerals from lithium-ion batteries, reducing waste and carbon emissions while supporting sustainable development in Ontario. In a strategic move to tackle the environmental and supply chain challenges posed by battery waste, Electra Battery Materials Corp. and Indigenous-owned Three Fires Group have launched Aki Battery Recycling, a joint venture focused on producing black mass through responsible recycling of lithium-ion battery scrap....

  • Overhead view of trees in the shape of a battery.

    DOE and Michigan fund Mitra Chem cathodes

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 2, 2024

    Federal grant and state support Inflation Reduction Act-compliant EV battery material production. Mitra Chem, a leading innovator in battery materials, has been selected by the state of Michigan's Competitiveness Fund and U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) for up to $125 million in awarded funds to establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Muskegon, Michigan. MESC plays a critical role in catalyzing investments...

  • A canister filled with gaseous blue pigment powder.

    North Carolina's $1.4B sodium-ion plant

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 2, 2024

    Natron plans to 40X its capacity with a 14 GW sodium-ion battery factory in Southeast U.S. Natron plans to invest nearly $1.4 billion in building a sodium-ion battery factory in North Carolina. The plant is expected to produce 14 gigawatts of sodium-ion batteries per year at full capacity, increasing Natron's production by more than 40 times its current capacity. The factory is part of Natron's strategy to leverage the growing demand for sodium-ion battery storage, according...

  • Researcher testing lithium-ion batteries for next-gen battery tech.

    DOE invests $125M in battery breakthroughs

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 2, 2024

    Leading U.S. labs to explore breakthroughs in sustainable battery technologies. In a move to bolster U.S. energy security and advance clean energy technologies, the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $125 million to two Energy Innovation Hub teams to drive next-generation battery and energy storage research. As the demand for cleaner energy and more efficient storage solutions grows, addressing the limitations of current technologies has become increasingly urgent, pushing...

  • Hyundai IONIQ 5 (left) and IONIQ 6 (right) at Tesla Supercharger.

    Hyundai and Kia team up on EV batteries

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Oct 1, 2024

    Four-year project to improve price, safety, and domestic production of materials for lithium iron phosphate batteries. As part of efforts to improve electric vehicle battery safety, performance, and overall cost reduction, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corp. announced a four-year project to pioneer an eco-friendly lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cathode manufacturing technology together with Hyundai Steel and EcoPro BM, a battery materials research and development... Full story

  • Nissan's solid-state Electric GT-R

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Sep 3, 2024

    The automaker’s first with solid-state batteries. Solid-state batteries are available now, but scaling the technology up to electric vehicle production rates is still several years out. With the potential of nearly twice the energy density of lithium-ion, solid-state batteries can boost power and range while also lowering charge times. The world got its first look at the electric GT-R after Nissan unveiled the Hyper Force EV concept last October. An electric version of N... Full story

  • Rendering of an EV driving through wind turbines toward a city.

    VW & QuantumScape scaling up solid-state

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Aug 30, 2024

    Volkswagen's PowerCo and QuantumScape face challenges in the quest to mass-produce solid-state batteries. Solid-state battery technology is poised to revolutionize the green energy storage landscape, particularly in the electric vehicle market. In a move to advance this innovation, Volkswagen Group's battery company PowerCo and QuantumScape have entered into a groundbreaking agreement to commercialize QuantumScape's next-generation solid-state lithium-metal battery technology.... Full story

  • A display of GMG’s coin cell graphene-aluminum batteries.

    GMG advances graphene-aluminum battery

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Aug 16, 2024

    Refines process toward commercial development with planned advancements and pilot plant. Marking a significant step forward in energy storage technology, Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. revealed the latest progress in developing graphene-aluminum-ion batteries, highlighting the company's success in optimizing performance and pushing the boundaries of current battery capabilities. Based out of Australia, GMG has been pioneering advancements in graphene-aluminum battery...

  • Rendering of STLA Large platform with electric architecture.

    Stellantis and Westwater graphite offtake

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Aug 13, 2024

    Westwater will deliver graphite anode material to Fiat Chrystler Automobiles' battery partners. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), a leading electric vehicle manufacturer and part of the Stellantis group of companies, has entered into an offtake agreement for battery-grade graphite produced by Westwater Resources Inc. in Alabama. Stellantis – the world's fourth-largest automaker by sales in 2023, behind Toyota, Volkswagen Group, and Hyundai Motor Group – designs, man...

  • AI rendering of a vehicle on fire.

    Hyundai, Kia share EV battery maker lists

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Aug 13, 2024

    Safety concerns after recent battery fires encourage transparency from automakers. Following several recent publicized incidents of electric vehicles catching fire in South Korea, Hyundai Motors will be the first to reveal a list of the battery makers used in its 13 EV models, with Kia to follow suit. At the top of these headline-grabbing stories was a parked Mercedes-Benz EV that caught fire below a residential building in Incheon, South Korea. The fire caused a prolonged... Full story

  • Detail view of battery renderings in blue.

    QuantumScape ships Alpha-2 prototypes

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Jul 11, 2024

    On track for key goal in 2024, headed steadily onward in aims for 2025. Nextgen solid-state battery tech leader QuantumScape has started customer shipments of its Alpha-2 prototype battery cells, on target for its 2024 goal. Toward achieving its mission to transform energy storage with solid-state lithium-metal battery technology, the company began shipping its A0 prototypes to potential automotive customers for qualification at the end of 2022. The company's new Alpha-2...

  • Example of GMG’s prototype graphene aluminum-ion battery.

    GMG secures A$2M funding to upgrade plant

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Jul 11, 2024

    Queensland government offers grant to enable development of graphene aluminum-ion batteries. Recognizing the potential of homemade graphene, the government of Queensland has signed an A$2 million funding agreement with Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. to support the company's proposed automated graphene aluminum-ion battery pilot plant in Brisbane, Australia. "We want to thank the Queensland Government and acknowledge its commitment to supporting the critical and battery manu...

  • Researchers holding experimental carbon fiber battery cells.

    Carbon fiber batteries: form and function

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated Jul 11, 2024

    Tech startup pioneers carbon fiber batteries that can store energy in the body of EVs or aircraft. At the forefront of cutting-edge technology, Sinonus, a spinout from Chalmers Technical University and part of Chalmers Ventures' portfolio, is revolutionizing industries with its breakthrough in carbon fiber technology – energy storage. Well-known for its exceptional strength and light weight, carbon fiber has been used in many products, such as aircraft components, h...

  • Artist’s rendering of dry stack batteries sealed in glass.

    This battery has run for over 180 years

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated May 21, 2024

    And we won't find out how or why until it finally goes out. In a world increasingly obsessed with energy-efficient and long-lasting batteries, a nondescript bell at the University of Oxford's Clarendon Laboratory has been gently chiming since 1840 as one of the world's longest-running battery-powered science experiments. Shortly after America declared independence, electricity was still a largely unknown factor and was considered to have sources in animals, lightning, static,... Full story

  • Collection of black lithium cells printed with recycling symbols.

    Just a dash of lithium for these batteries

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated May 8, 2024

    A cheaper and more sustainable LiDFOB electrolyte reduces lithium salts while maintaining battery performance. An international research team has developed an electrolyte with a very low concentration of lithium salt for a cheaper, safer alternative to conventional lithium batteries. According to the report, battery cells using these LiDFOB – lithium difluoro (oxalato) borate – electrolytes in batteries with standard electrodes have demonstrated outstanding performance, pro...

  • 6K Energy’s PlusCAM will open late this year in Jackson, Tennessee.

    6K Energy targets IRA battery requirements

    A.J. Roan, Metal Tech News|Updated May 8, 2024

    Utilizing its UniMelt production system technology, company is at the forefront of domestic battery supply for a green future. Continuing to push the boundaries of sustainable production of critical materials for lithium-ion batteries, 6K Energy LLC announced their cathode active material (CAM) will meet stringent United States government mandates for compliance outlined by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the innovative company aims to be the first to meet such...

  • Quino Energy co-founders Eugene Beh and Meisam Bahari.

    Building a better water-based battery

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Apr 25, 2024

    Cheap and safe, water-based organic redox flow batteries are coming – an interview with Quino Energy's founder Eugene Beh. Quino Energy CEO and co-founder Eugene Beh is a chemist and physicist with an impressive history of accolades from Harvard to Stanford and back again and deep expertise in electrochemical systems, be it a postdoctoral fellowship working on aqueous organic flow batteries at Harvard University or inventing and commercializing a redox flow desalination t...

  • Wireframe of a cargo ship and plane with Wright batteries.

    Developing the Wright aluminum battery

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Apr 8, 2024

    DOE bankrolls ultra-lightweight, energy-dense aluminum battery and novel artificial intelligence electrolyte screening system. A collaboration between Wright Electric and Columbia University has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Department of Energy via the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) program for a groundbreaking ultra-energy-dense and lightweight aluminum battery brought about by a novel artificial intelligence electrolyte screening system. Founded i...

  • Rendering of an astronaut holding a battery.

    Space battery pioneer gets first big order

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Mar 27, 2024

    Hitachi Zosen goes commercial; company sends its all-solid-state batteries into equipment manufacturing space. An as-of-yet undisclosed semiconductor equipment manufacturer has placed the first commercial order for 12 all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (coined AS-LiB) with a capacity of 140 milliampere-hour from battery pioneer Hitachi Zosen, with future orders on the way as part of a new product. A typical all-solid-state lithium battery can not only store nearly twice as...

  • An array of solar panels beneath a bright blue sky.

    Spain's largest solar redox flow battery

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Mar 27, 2024

    The Son Orlandis system is the first vanadium redox flow-based energy storage plant to be built by Endesa; the largest to be paired with solar in Europe. Spanish utility Endesa Enel Green Power España (the largest electricity company in Spain and the second largest in Portugal) has commissioned an energy storage system utilizing a 1.1-megawatt vanadium redox flow battery (VFRB) connected to the 3.34 MW Son Orlandis solar plant in Mallorca, Spain. In 2023, the Balearic...

  • Rendering of a battery full of liquid color.

    Zero-waste, water-based organic redox flow

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Mar 21, 2024

    Quino's first-of-a-kind continuous production organic flow battery process. Quino Energy is a start-up developing water-based redox flow batteries that can cost-effectively store up to 40 hours of electrical energy in organic molecules called quinones. The company upcycles coal and wood tar into these molecules, which are commonly used to make a large variety of natural dyes but also happen to be excellent battery reactants. Mid- to long-duration battery storage solutions... Full story

  • Lead author Tianyi Ma working with assistant on water batteries.

    Water Batteries: cheap, green, no fire

    K. Warner, Metal Tech News|Updated Mar 12, 2024

    A little rust might make batteries safer, easier to recycle, and a potential competitor to lithium-ion. By using water in place of the hazardous chemical electrolytes used in commercial batteries, an international team of scientists hailing from Australia to China has proposed a water-based battery technology, a safer and greener alternative to chemical-laden batteries marketed today. Lithium-ion batteries, used in everything from laptops and phones to electric vehicles,... Full story

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