Many of the current batteries use the same yin and yang two-electrode structure with non-conductor isolation in between. However, now Cornell engineers have developed an unusual new structure because they use intertwined Swirl-like structure and possesses characteristics of instantaneous charging. This new technology is based on a complex set of porous shapes - the gyroid - before it was often used to create 'two-dimensional miracle material' graphene. .
Spiral battery imaging developed by Cornell University
In addition, new batteries use ultra-thin carbon films (although they are not comparable to graphene), relying on a self-assembly process known as 'blockco-polymer'.
This carbon-based helix 24 facets constitute the anode of the battery, which contains thousands of holes, each about 40nm wide.
These pores were coated with a separation layer approximately 10 nm thick, followed by the addition of a sulfur cathode. Finally, a final portion of the void was filled with a conductive polymer called PEDOT.
Each pore can store and transfer energy, which is very similar to the microbattery. However, by dispersing them on the huge surface area of the helix, the energy density of the new architecture is much larger than the traditional battery design.
According to the researchers, in practice, this means that the battery can be charged in seconds or even faster! Lead researcher Ulrich Wiesner said:
This three-dimensional structure basically eliminates all the volume loss in the equipment.
What's more important is that the areas of mutual penetration are reduced to the nanoscale, so we can exponentially increase energy density.
In other words, compared to the traditional battery structure, you can gain energy in a shorter time.
Even so, the new design is not without its flaws. When the battery is charged and discharged, sulfur expands, and the PEDOT part does not. Over time, the latter gradually wears out. Wiesner states:
When the sulfur expands, these tiny polymers will tear into pieces. When it shrinks again, it cannot be reconnected. This means that part of the 3D battery can no longer be used.
