Nowadays, there are so many electronics which rely on lithium-ion batteries to function; cellphones, laptops, electric cars and artificial hearts. Although more powerful than alkaline batteries, they are more unstable. Despite, the instability, companies such as NRG Metals Inc. (TSXV:$NGZ), Albemarle (NYSE:$ALB), Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE:$SQM), and Lithium Americas Corp. (TSXV:$LAC), are not seeing a decrease in their stock prices.
In fact, recently there has been a big interest in these companies and have driven the price of stocks up. In addition, with the latest information concerning improvements in the technology, the demands for such stocks will likely continue to rise. The downside of such situation is that creates the potential for a shortfall by 2020
Lithium-ion companies are responding to the demands by creating more qualified lithium-ion batteries.
Safer and Better Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries use liquid-state electrolytes that carry charges from one battery to another. Although doing so allows the battery to have a higher conductivity level than alkaline batteries, the process is certainly more unstable.
However, two colleagues from the Department of Physics at the Virginia Commonwealth University, Jena and colleague Hong Fang may have found a solution to remedy the issue. Through their studies, they were able to design a solid-state electrolyte, not as conductive, but indefinitely more stable.
Keeping up with Lithium Demands
Other researchers were able to add to the design and improve the conductivity. However, the designs are still in the testing phase. If successful, stocks for lithium will see an even greater increase, especially when considering the fact that many companies who are currently unwilling to use unstable lithium-ion technology would likely change their minds with the new improvements.
In order to meet the potential upcoming demands, analysts predict that a new lithium mine would have to be found every year through 2025. By which time, the industry watcher, Roskill has estimated there will still be a shortfall of 26,000.
With the newest developments in lithium-ion batteries, the potential benefits are great. Unfortunately, it may lead to a high-demand which may be diffcult to meet. Featured Image: twitter
