The Triangulene Battery: Reality or Hyped Expectations?

When given a list of the latest technological marvels, it's a safe bet to assume that most won't make it to production or, if they do, only a few will truly change the game. This is especially true when it comes to battery technology. Just a year or two after the initial hype fades, most of these innovations are either forgotten or deemed not viable for mass production. Wary of early releases, where a simple demonstration is all that's available, the reality is that developing new battery technology is a long and arduous process fraught with unforeseen challenges.

Early Hype, Late Delivery

To provide an accurate response, it's essential to understand and wait for more substantial evidence. Every year brings a flurry of new battery technologies, but few ever pertain to the devices most people use daily. Even a USB charger, which is limited to under an amp, would need hundreds of amps to charge a device in mere seconds. The u00a9RSS assesses that a newly emerging triangulene battery might indeed charge in seconds but could only last for weeks, a feat that poses significant challenges.

Triangulene Battery: A Breach of Reality?

Experts consistently highlight that a new battery technology, like triangulene, might be about ten times faster than a traditional lithium-ion battery, as demonstrated in experiments. However, the capacity remains a challenge as it is only 30-40% of that of an equivalent lithium-ion battery. Additionally, the device in question is more accurately described as a proof of concept and supercapacitor, not a battery. These distinctions are crucial for understanding the practical applications and limitations of the technology.

Energy Density and Scalability

If we hypothetically assume that the technology can be scaled up to create cost-effective devices that store seven times the energy of a lithium-ion battery, one must consider the reality of such claims. For instance, a typical phone battery holds about 10 watt hours of power. Therefore, the triangulene battery would need to hold 70 watt hours of power. To charge this device in "seconds," which isn't specified but we'll assume 10 seconds, we need to supply 360 times 70 watts for those 10 seconds, totaling 25,200 watts. This enormous power requirement highlights a fundamental issue with current charging technology and the limitations in energy density.

Charge Times and Energy Challenges

Charging a phone in seconds or even successfully powering an electric car in minutes is a task that current infrastructure and technology cannot support. The article from ST. PETERSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY addresses the challenges of capacity and energy density, acknowledging a significant gap in achieving the desired performance. While the concept holds theoretical promise, practical realization remains a long way off.

Conclusion

The hype surrounding the triangulene battery raises important questions about the realities of new technological innovations. Waiting a year or two before investing in or adopting such technologies is a prudent approach. The technology must demonstrate real-world performance and address the underlying energy density and scalability challenges before it can truly challenge established battery technologies. Until then, patience and skepticism are advised.

References

“ST. PETERSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY.” “RSS.” “University of Florida.”