Abstract: Much improved energy storage is provided by exploiting the phase transition between different states or phases of a condensed matter “working material.” Such phases constitute the high energy “charged” and low energy “discharged” state of the battery. The two phases conduct electricity in a different manner. This is reflected by different chemical potentials that determine the open circuit voltage of the battery. Such a battery can have an energy density that easily exceeds that of current chemical batteries and super capacitors.
Abstract: Much improved energy storage is provided by exploiting the phase transition between different states or phases of a condensed matter “working material.” Such phases constitute the high energy “charged” and low energy “discharged” state of the battery. The two phases conduct electricity in a different manner. This is reflected by different chemical potentials that determine the open circuit voltage of the battery. Such a battery can have an energy density that easily exceeds that of current chemical batteries and super capacitors.