this post was submitted on 13 Feb 2024
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link to the paper https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45347-3
So these batteries have Calcium metal anodes and Graphite cathodes. The optimal electrolyte that they tested this with is Calcium Chloride. All of these chemicals are commonly found everywhere and not likely to create conflict minerals, which is awesome! These batteries are rechargable as well! It might be a decade or so to go from science to engineering a means to mass produce these but a great win for humanity! The only downside is that they don't perform well in temperatures less than 0° C. Which means that some outdoor use batteries will likely still require lithium in areas with seasonal temperature drops.
Welp, no batteries for Russia then. Guess we're stuck with fossils
Lots of lithium is being discovered in Mexico, China, and Argintina. With climate change the thawing out polar reigions, perhaps more lithium will be discovered in Canada and Siberia. Also people in temperate climates can have devices not using lithium which means that the lithium can be used for people living in colder climates.