In Brief
Battery with Fluoride Anions
Dr Maximilian Fichtner and Dr Munnangi Anji Reddy at the Institute of Nanotechnology at the KIT have developed a new concept for rechargeable batteries. It is based on the transmission of fluoride anions between the electrodes and promises several times the storage capacity of lithium ion batteries as well as a higher degree of safety in operation. In lieu of the lithium cation, the transfer of energy is performed by the fluoride anion. A metallic fluoride is created or, respectively, reduced at the cathode and at the anode. "Since several electrons per metallic atom can be transmitted, this concept allows for extraordinarily high densities of energy – up to ten times higher than is the case in currently used lithium ion batteries", explains Fichtner.
The KIT researchers now intend to further develop the material design and battery architecture in order to improve the cycle stability of the fluoride anion battery. Another challenge lies in the further development of the electrolyte: The hitherto employed solid matter electrolyte is suitable only for applications at higher temperatures. It is therefore the aim to find an applicable liquid state electrolyte for usage at room temperature.
