Altech Batteries proves extended shelf life of CERENERGY sodium-nickel-chloride technology

Altech Batteries (ASX: ATC) has used a previous form of technology to confirm the exceptional robustness and long-term shelf life of its unique CERENERGY sodium-nickel-chloride (Na Ni-Cl) battery.

In a recent examination of the Na Ni-Cl technology’s durability, a 28-year-old Zebra battery originally manufactured by AEG ZEBRA in Berlin and left unused in storage was provided to Altech for evaluation.

That testing saw the ancient battery successfully activated and performing as if it were new, exhibiting no degradation in function or capacity despite nearly three decades of dormancy.

Low-cost materials

The ZEBRA battery is a type of rechargeable molten salt battery based on commonly available and low-cost materials.

Its primary components include the sodium and chloride from conventional table salt, nickel metal and beta-alumina solid electrolyte.

The earlier Zebra cells had a smaller energy capacity (approximately 100 watt-hours) compared to the current CERENERGY cells (250Wh), which were developed to improve energy capacity and reduce battery costs while sharing the same fundamental electrochemical design.

Unique chemistry

Altech says the underlying reason for this remarkable longevity lies in the battery’s unique chemistry and solid-state design.

In its inactive state, the battery’s electrolyte exists as solid sodium aluminium chloride salt crystals and nickel powder.

When activated by heating to approximately 270°C, the 28-year-old Zebra battery transitions into its operational state and can immediately begin charging and discharging with no observable loss in performance.

The company believes that, unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries that rely on volatile liquid electrolytes that degrade over time, the CERENERGY system remains completely inert and stable at ambient conditions.

Rigorous testing

To further validate the technology, Altech’s joint venture partner Fraunhofer IKTS has conducted a rigorous individual cell stress-testing program on the Zebra battery.

The company is currently subjecting the 28-year-old cell to daily charge and discharge cycling at 300°C across a 20% to 80% state of charge range.

So far, these tests continue to confirm the battery’s safe operation along with its consistent performance across the full capacity spectrum.

“This breakthrough reaffirms the robustness, safety, and strategic advantage of CERENERGY sodium-nickel-chloride battery technology, setting it apart from conventional storage solutions in terms of reliability and long-term stability,” Altech management said.