When it comes to lithium batteries, they generally fall into two types: lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and don't have metallic lithium in them.

Lithium batteries originally found their first applications in pacemakers. Their benefits, like very low self-discharge rates and steady discharge voltage, allow pacemakers implanted in bodies to run for extended periods without needing a recharge. Typically boasting a nominal voltage exceeding 3.0 volts, lithium batteries are well-suited as power sources for integrated circuits. Meanwhile, manganese dioxide batteries are prevalent in gadgets like calculators, digital cameras, and watches.

Lithium batteries have become a cornerstone of technology, profoundly affecting our daily lives. Yet, as demands for energy security and eco-friendliness rise, the shortcomings of traditional lithium batteries in safety, lifespan, and energy density are becoming evident.

Consequently, we're witnessing the rise of new technologies like solid-state batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and magnesium batteries, sparking a global competition within the battery industry.

Sodium-ion batteries

In sodium-ion batteries, sodium ions replace lithium ions as the carriers of current. This small switch holds significant implications for battery manufacturing since sodium is more readily available than lithium. Notably, sodium can be extracted from seawater, a resource accessible globally. This shift could potentially reduce battery production costs while eliminating concerns about handling and transporting potentially hazardous lithium materials.

Yet, sodium-ion batteries aren't flawless. Their ions are larger than lithium ions, resulting in lower energy density. In practical terms, this may translate to reduced mileage in electric vehicles and shorter lifespans for smartphones.

Hydrogen fuel cells

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, powered by hydrogen energy, boast quicker refueling/charging times and longer driving ranges compared to current lithium-ion new energy vehicles. They also offer ample room for innovation and creativity. Market-wise, they're gaining favor and could potentially challenge the dominant market position of lithium batteries.

Certain organizations project that by 2050, hydrogen energy will fulfill 18% of the global energy needs, with fuel cell vehicles comprising 20-25% of the world's vehicle fleet. The potential for growth in fuel cell technology and hydrogen-powered vehicles is immense.

Solid-state batteries

Lithium-ion batteries rely on a liquid electrolyte solution to facilitate ion movement between electrodes. Typically, this electrolyte consists of organic compounds that can ignite if the battery overheats or is overcharged. To mitigate this risk, researchers have developed solid-state batteries as a safer alternative. These batteries employ a solid, inorganic electrolyte capable of enduring extreme conditions and temperature fluctuations.

Aside from minimizing the risk of fire, solid-state batteries have the potential to store more energy compared to lithium-ion batteries. The enhanced conductivity of solid-state electrolytes is expected to shorten charging times, resulting in devices utilizing this technology having improved capacity and faster charging speeds.

Magnesium battery

As the need for electrochemical energy storage grows, battery technology expands beyond lithium batteries. Magnesium batteries, known for their relatively lower cost and higher safety levels, are gaining increased attention. In fact, there has been ongoing development of magnesium-based batteries in recent years. These batteries utilize water instead of conventional organic electrolytes, enhancing safety and featuring properties that are both detachable and recyclable.

Although promising, Aqueous Magnesium Ion Batteries are still in the early stages of research. The technology encounters several challenges hindering its swift adoption as a replacement for lithium-ion batteries. One such obstacle is the inability to utilize existing cathode materials optimized for lithium. Additionally, employing an aqueous electrolyte imposes constraints on the battery's maximum voltage due to water decomposition at higher voltages.

While numerous emerging technologies pose challenges to the dominant status of lithium batteries, none currently offer a comprehensive solution to replace lithium-ion batteries altogether. What people truly require is a diverse array of battery technologies to meet various needs.