Using Ceramics in Energy Storage

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Energy caot be created or destroyed, but ways in which it can be stored efficiently are continuously evolving with the increased energy requirements and advances in technology going on in the world today. By creating a power supply for future use, energy storage systems are able to provide consumers with a resilient energy infrastructure that aims to be both practical and cost-effective.

Six main categories of energy storage systems are employed around the world: solid-state batteries, flow batteries, flywheels, compressed air storage, thermal, and pumped hydro-powered systems. The type of storage system used depends entirely on the type of energy needed to be contained, whether that is thermal, solar, kinetic, chemical, or nuclear.

Ceramics, which are often thought of as inorganic and nonmetallic materials, exhibit a wide range of useful properties that enable it to be utilized far beyond its traditional use in pottery. These desirable qualities include very high hardness and strength, durability, extremely high melting points, inertness, the ability to withstand the damaging effects of acids, oxygen and other chemicals, and good electrical and thermal insulation, making this material particularly useful for certain energy requirements.