One would have thought we’re at the end of battery technologies, relying on precious materials such as cobalt, lithium, nickel and copper that could be depleted one day as a consequence of increased demand in electric vehicles, wireless personal electronics, smartphones, smartwatches. There is hope in this grim statement, a group of Swedish scientists have created a liquid called norbornadiene – capable of capturing up to 30% of raw solar power (solar panels can do about 20%). Another great thing about this is that it can be stored for two decades without losing any of its energy. That’s 20 years! We change phones almost every two years!!!
It is still in development since it’s discovery in 2017, a lot things still needs to be refined, such as maximizing its potential through harmful chemicals, the need to be make everything safer is paramount. Humanity isn’t getting any smarter lately, why risk it?
We don’t know what will the final application of such technology be however it is a good change in direction nevertheless, finding new ways to harness the resources around us.
PS: Thanks for reading!