Ruthenium Battery Prototype: A Breakthrough or a Secret?

In summary, researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a ruthenium-based battery prototype that has shown to hold a charge better than lithium ion batteries, with 96% retention over several months. The prototype is the size of a standard laptop battery and has been used to power an electric car motor for hours without overheating. However, the high cost of ruthenium and the technology being kept as a trade secret may make it difficult to produce more than just a prototype at this time.
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BatteryNut
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Ruthenium and its ability to absorb hydrogen somehow was made into a battery prototype by some researchers at the University of Tokyo. It was demonstrated to hold a charge better than lithium ion batteries with nearly 96% retention of the incoming charge over a period they claimed reached months. The size of the prototype was equal to that of a standard laptop battery, yet in a small battery bank series powered an electric car motor at full speed for hours. I thought this would have been world news by now, yet there is silence.

Does anyone have more info? Can somebody out there get some more info out of Tokyo if you have access to this technology? Why is it being kept "under wraps"? It did not seem to overheat as the lithium ion storage method does. What would be difficult about producing more than a prototype of a ruthenium based battery?
 
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  • #2
What would be difficult about producing more than a prototype of a ruthenium based battery? Cost probably, ruthenium is rare and very useful for many things.

"It was demonstrated to hold a charge better than lithium ion batteries ..." What about energy density?

"its ability to absorb hydrogen somehow" Is it a fuel cell?

Why is it being kept "under wraps"? I doubt that it is.

"a small battery bank series powered an electric car motor at full speed for hours."

With what sort of load?

I'm having some trouble finding a good hit about this (search engines keep giving this page 1st), but I did get you the price of ruthenium, ~ $300 per troy ounce.
 
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Also, you should note the word 'series.'
That means it's more than just a lab-top battery sized object powering this motor.
 
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"its ability to absorb hydrogen somehow" Is it a fuel cell?
It's not a fuel cell, but a metal-hydride battery, as in Li-metal hydride.

I'm sure the developers are not ready to release information on it. If one has a really advanced technology, then one usually keeps key characteristics as trade secrets, unless the technology is patented.
 
  • #5
Todays Spot Price, Ruthenium: bid=270, ask=305 dollars per troy ounce. A bit pricey.
 

1. What is a Ruthenium Battery Prototype?

A Ruthenium Battery Prototype is a type of battery that uses ruthenium as the main component in its electrodes. Ruthenium is a rare and expensive metal that has shown promise in improving the efficiency and lifespan of batteries.

2. How does the Ruthenium Battery Prototype differ from other batteries?

The main difference is the use of ruthenium as the main component in its electrodes. This allows for higher energy density and faster charging compared to traditional batteries. It also has a longer lifespan and is more environmentally friendly.

3. What makes the Ruthenium Battery Prototype a breakthrough?

The use of ruthenium in batteries is a breakthrough because it addresses many of the limitations and challenges faced by traditional batteries. It has the potential to significantly improve the performance and sustainability of battery technology.

4. Is the Ruthenium Battery Prototype currently available in the market?

No, the Ruthenium Battery Prototype is still in the research and development stage. While there have been successful prototypes created in laboratories, it has not yet been mass-produced for commercial use.

5. Is the Ruthenium Battery Prototype a secret technology?

No, the technology behind the Ruthenium Battery Prototype is not a secret. It has been published and presented in scientific journals and conferences. However, the specific details and processes used by different research teams may vary and may not be publicly disclosed.

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