On Wednesday 18 December, IBM Research announced that it has created a new battery which removes the use of heavy metals or other substances with sourcing concerns, such as cobalt and nickel, in order to “transform the long-term sustainability of many elements of our energy infrastructure.” The company stated that initial tests have proved that the battery can be optimised to surpass the capabilities of lithium-ion batteries, providing lower costs, faster charging time, higher power and energy density, strong energy efficiency and low flammability. Additionally, tests have also found that the battery can be designed for a long-life cycle, making it an option for smart power grid applications and new energy infrastructures.
