A team of researchers from the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra (FCTUC) has achieved significant progress in the development of new solid batteries. The silica and polymer composite aerogels, designed by the team, promise to revolutionize the field of renewable energy.
The project, entitled “Silica-Polymer Composite Aerogels As Solid Sodium Electrolytes (AeroNaLyte)”, stood out as one of the winners of the 4th edition of the Seed Awards for Interdisciplinary Scientific Research at the University of Coimbra. Its main objective was to find materials that could drive a new generation of batteries, with an emphasis on safety and durability.
According to João Vareda, researcher at the Department of Chemical Engineering and project coordinator, current lithium batteries face significant challenges, especially due to their dependence on finite resources and their association with social and environmental problems. Sodium batteries emerge as a viable alternative as sodium is widely available and affordable across the world.
The development of silica and polymer-based aerogels represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable future. These aerogels, together with solid electrolytes derived from biocompatible materials and green solvents, have the potential to replace existing technologies and mitigate challenges faced by conventional batteries.
The creation of this new generation of batteries not only promises technological advances, but also has the potential to democratize access to electricity across the world. João Vareda highlights the importance of batteries in this context, highlighting the social, environmental and economic impact that this innovation could bring.
While preliminary results are promising, the path to commercial implementation of these new technologies still requires additional work. However, the research team’s commitment to creating sustainable solutions to global energy challenges is clear, and these batteries are expected to play a key role in the transition to a greener future.
