Solid-state batteries and liquid-state batteries both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Researchers in Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas think that they can have the best of both worlds with their new prototype battery. Their prototype both eliminates disadvantages and harnesses the advantages of both types, and perhaps most significantly, it also works at room temperatures.
Solid-state batteries, such as li-ion batteries, provide a sizable total capacity for energy storage, but they face deterioration over time depending on numerous factors like environment and usage habits.
Their liquid-state counterparts do deliver energy more efficiently, they deteriorate less over time, but their problem is that they require extra resources to keep them heated to stay liquid, usually above 464 degrees Fahrenheit (240 °C).
Electrodes in this new battery, however, can retain its liquidity at 68°F (20°C). This is a record low for liquid-state battery operation.
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