KAUST researchers have developed a tin oxide (SnO2) Li-ion battery anode coated with hafnium oxide (HfO2) using atomic layer deposition. The HfO2 coating reduces volume changes in the SnO2 anode during charging and discharging, improving storage capacity by 56% and cycling stability. The technique is insensitive to HfO2 thickness, attributed to the amorphous structure and catalytic effect of hafnium. Why it matters: This research offers a promising approach to enhance Li-ion battery performance, which is crucial for advancing energy storage technologies in the region and globally.
KAUST Discovery will host a webinar on solvent-based recycling of lithium-ion batteries. The presentation will be given by Dr. Yaocai Bai, an R&D Staff Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The talk will explore solvent-based separation processes to efficiently separate electrode materials from metal foils in end-of-life batteries and manufacturing scraps. Why it matters: Battery recycling is a key area for sustainability efforts in the region, as it has implications for energy independence and environmental protection.
KAUST researchers, in collaboration with KACST, discovered that dissolving nylon in battery electrolytes improves the performance of lithium-metal batteries. The nylon additive resulted in more efficient batteries with longer lifespans and fewer unwanted reactions. The research was published in ACS Energy Letters and Energy Environmental Science. Why it matters: This promises cheaper, safer, and more powerful lithium batteries for applications in electric vehicles and aviation, supporting Saudi Arabia's renewable energy goals.
KAUST researchers found that sulfate ions reduce free water in aqueous batteries, mitigating parasitic reactions that degrade the anode and shorten battery life. Adding zinc sulfate increased battery lifespan by more than ten times. Sulfate salts stabilize the bonds of free water, acting as a "water glue" to reduce parasitic reactions. Why it matters: This finding provides a cheap and scalable approach to improve the viability of aqueous batteries for sustainable energy storage, particularly for integrating renewable energy sources.
KAUST's Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST) hosted a seminar on rechargeable hydrogen gas batteries. Professor Wei Chen from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) presented the seminar. The talk covered aqueous nickel-hydrogen gas, proton-hydrogen gas, halogen-hydrogen gas, and nonaqueous lithium-hydrogen gas batteries, along with applications like self-charging batteries. Why it matters: Hydrogen gas batteries represent a promising avenue for large-scale energy storage, particularly for integrating renewable energy sources into electric grids.
KAUST researchers have developed a new technology for direct lithium extraction from brine in oilfields and seawater, potentially positioning Saudi Arabia as a major lithium producer. The technology, demonstrated at a pilot scale, allows extraction from low-concentration sources (as low as 20 parts per million) without pollutants. It could increase global lithium resources from 22 million tons to over 230 billion tons. Why it matters: This innovation could transform Saudi Arabia from a lithium importer to a producer, strengthening its energy security and influence in the global clean energy market.
KAUST's Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST) is hosting a webinar on grid-scale energy storage. The talk will cover the evolution of grid-scale energy storage over the past 15 years, highlighting major drivers in KSA and internationally. Dr. Marek Kubik, Director of BESS at NEOM, will be the speaker. Why it matters: This event signals the growing importance of energy storage solutions in Saudi Arabia's renewable energy strategy, particularly within ambitious projects like NEOM.
KAUST and King Abdulaziz University (KAU) are collaborating to develop low-cost sodium-ion battery technology using fly ash, a waste material from burning fossil fuels. Researchers are purifying fly ash and using thermal treatment to engineer its structure for use as carbon electrodes in batteries. The resulting carbon electrode material is competitive with existing market products and can be used for other applications. Why it matters: This research offers a sustainable approach to energy storage by repurposing waste materials, potentially enabling cheaper and more environmentally friendly grid-scale energy storage for renewable energy sources.