Progress towards sustainable energy storage: A concise review

Abstract

In this study, the benefits and challenges of existing energy storage systems are presented. The environmental threats and the apparent unreliability of fossil fuel energy sources necessitate the need for alternative sources of electrical power. Energy storage has been sourced from mechanical, electrical, thermal, chemical, and electrochemical systems. Perhaps, an electrochemical energy storage system, is a better option toward achieving a net zero carbon‐dioxide emission by 2050. Energy storage sources, such as: batteries and supercapacitors, can be reliably fabricated from the hybrid of polymers and two‐dimensional materials for electric vehicles, aviation, and grid load balancing applications. The performances of lithium‐ion batteries are yet to meet the requirements for high‐duty machines and devices. Graphite, the anode of lithium‐ion batteries, suffers from low capacity and high volume‐expansion, resulting in cracking and fracture of the electrodes. Herein, based on evidence from literature, this study suggests substituting graphite with polymer nanocomposite or metal‐oxide nanocomposites such as: conducting polymers, copper oxide, and graphene. This approach, giving attention to these materials' excellent electrochemical, thermal, electrical, mechanical, and redox properties, offers possible ways to overcome the limited limitations confronting lithium‐ion battery technology.

Exploring the Role of Additives in Enhancing the Performance of Limestone-Based Thermochemical Energy Storage: A Review

“…These include standard batteries such as lead-acid [43] and Ni-Cd [44], as well as modern batteries like Ni-MH [45], Li-ion [46], and Li-polymer [47]. Special batteries, such as Ag-Zn and Ni-H 2 , represent another category, while technologies like flow batteries (e.g., Br 2 -Zn, vanadium redox) and high-temperature batteries (e.g., Na-S, Na-metal chloride) constitute additional segments [48]. This diverse range of commercially available secondary batteries caters to various applications and technological requirements.…”

South Africa’s Energy Landscape Amidst the Crisis: Unpacking Energy Sources and Drivers with 2022 South African Census Data

“…South Africa, as one of the most developed nations in the African continent, is the largest consumer of energy in Africa. Forms of energy sources or energy generation technology include fossil fuel, nuclear, renewables, hydro, wind, geothermal, solar, battery, and others [1]. The advent of population growth, urbanization, and technological advancement resulted in the adoption of oil, gas, solar, wind, and coal as sources of energy [2].…”

“…The increase in population corresponds to an increase in the demand for power. When the generated power is insufficient to meet the demanded power, the grid will encounter a drop in frequency [1]. With about 80% of its electricity energy generated from coal, South Africa ranks as the seventh largest global coal producer [3,4].…”