Aussie self-charging battery tech could boost EVs

An Australian project involving the CSIRO, the University of New South Wales and a Perth-based tech company is aimed at developing a new self-charging battery cell that could have implications for electric vehicles.

Based on a graphene oxide material, the new ultra-thin lightweight battery tech is capable of harvesting energy and recharging itself simply via moisture and heat, or the humidity in the air.

Australian Advanced Materials, a subsidiary of publicly-listed Perth-based pooled development fund Strategic Elements, has joined forces with scientists from UNSW and the CSIRO to develop the printable battery cells for consumer electronics, such as smart watches and smartphones.

At present the innovative battery tech is designed to work with low-voltage applications, but there are precedents to suggest it could make the transfer to the automotive industry.

The big breakthrough the car industry is looking for is affordable solid-state batteries that can be recharged in seconds, not minutes or hours like current EVs, but self-charging batteries would potentially provide a self-perpetuating power source that could revolutionise the energy sector.

At present, lithium-based batteries are among the most widely used battery cells globally, powering everything from power tools to cars and drones. But advocates of the new graphene oxide battery cells say the printable ‘ink’ technology has several advantages over its main rival.

Being able to self-charge means no wires, cables, charge pads or power points are required, and the ability to print the ultra-thin 10-20 micron battery cells onto different surfaces means they’re more flexible and much lighter than traditional lithium-based battery cells.

Proponents of the battery tech claim the cells are also non-flammable and more environmentally friendly than lithium cells.

A team of scientists from UNSW plan to develop a 3.7-volt graphene oxide battery prototype by early 2021, printing the graphene oxide battery cells onto glass.

By comparison, the average AA battery has 1.5-volts of energy.

Strategic Elements is also working on an automated robotic security vehicle with US military supplier Honeywell, but it’s unclear if the new battery tech will be deployed on the new vehicle.

“Early stage results are extremely promising as we apply years of experience and intellectual property in electronic inks into the development of a Battery Ink that generates electricity from the environment,” said Strategic Elements managing director Charles Murphy.