Subsequent-generation batteries may go natural, cobalt-free for long-lasting energy

Within the swap to ‘greener’ power sources, the demand for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries is surging. Nonetheless, their cathodes usually comprise cobalt — a steel whose extraction has excessive environmental and societal prices. Now, researchers in report evaluating an earth-abundant, carbon-based cathode materials that might change cobalt and different scarce and poisonous metals with out sacrificing lithium-ion battery efficiency.