LSU ME Professor Designs Non-Metal Battery To Replace Lithium Battery
April 12, 2023
The demand for electric vehicles, cell phones, etc., continues to grow, as does the
demand for lithium used in lithium-ion batteries. However, the mining process and
its safety issues concern researchers like LSU Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor
Ying Wang, who is working to design a non-metal rechargeable battery that could one
day replace lithium ones.
“Lithium-ion batteries have good performance but several serious issues,” Wang said. “It’s not sustainable and is very expensive, and the U.S. does not have deep reserves for lithium. Also, if you are extracting lithium from mines, you are using a tremendous amount of water, which has a severe impact on the environment.”
Wang's research is part of LSU's Scholarship First agenda and its focus on creating sustainable solutions for the future of the energy industry.