Illustration: press release

Published on 02/27/2025

By Roseli Andrion  |  Agência FAPESP – The search for sustainable solutions is ongoing in many sectors. In battery energy storage, for example, there is growing concern and demand for more sustainable and efficient solutions, while the search for clean and renewable energy sources is driving research that could change the way energy is consumed and stored.

In this scenario, a Brazilian project, supported by FAPESP’s Innovative Research in Small Businesses program (PIPE), seeks to develop a long-term battery – capable of lasting up to a hundred years, as opposed to the 10 to 12 years of maximum useful life of traditional batteries. The technology could be useful in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, marine and others. Created by inventor Charles Adriano Duvoisin, the new component is not just another battery: it also addresses aspects such as safety, durability and energy efficiency.

According to the researcher, it was necessary to rethink every aspect of the battery. “We had to evaluate everything, from the materials used to the design of the energy storage system,” Duvoisin told Agência FAPESP. “Durability is not only a question of efficiency but also of safety and environmental impact.”

In addition, resistance to radio frequency leakage and the ability to operate in extreme conditions are critical aspects of the design. “These characteristics are particularly important for aerospace applications, where batteries must withstand extreme temperature conditions and still function with high reliability. With the new technology, it’s possible to ensure the safety and stability of batteries in high-risk environments such as satellites and space communications systems.”

More safety

In the conventional concept, the battery works by a chemical reaction that produces an electric current. The new technology changes this pattern: it uses controlled electric fields and electron traps. “It’s an innovative Brazilian idea that allows any battery to produce more electric current by reversing the directed electric fields. This makes it possible to stop the flow of ions and create a safety management system.”

In this way, the new battery makes it possible to control the entire flow of risk. “It’s the first battery in the world where you have total control over the battery itself. Based on the theoretical test, it’s expected to have a useful life of a hundred years,” he explains. “We have to think about the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A battery that lasts a hundred years means less waste, more sustainability and more savings.”

Because the concept makes it possible to control the flow of ions using electron traps, it can be applied to any type of battery: from those used in smart watches and smartphones to those destined for aviation and shipbuilding, for example. “It also has the advantage of providing greater safety by controlling the flow of ions. The concept works for lithium, lead, sodium or any other option.”

Interestingly, Duvoisin’s first degree was in dentistry. After working in the field for a few years, he decided to change careers. “I worked a lot in dentistry until 2011. Then I took on innovation. Today, I’m between academia and industry: I’m an executive scientist.” In the battery project, the researcher’s partner is Fernando de Mendonça, a centenarian scientist who was one of the founders of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE).

Challenges

Despite the project’s potential, there are challenges. Perhaps the biggest is the cost: the component is estimated to be 10% to 30% more expensive than conventional options. However, Duvoisin believes that consumers may see this difference as a long-term investment. “Although the initial price is higher, the durability of the battery is a key factor: with a lifespan of a hundred years, consumers save money by not having to replace it frequently. This translates into significant savings over time.”

The inventor also explains that the new technology requires high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes – which can increase the price of production. However, he points out that costs should come down as the technology becomes more widespread. There is also competition from the manufacturers that dominate the battery market. “They have more financial resources and an established infrastructure. That said, the competitive advantage of the technology, with its focus on durability and sustainability, is a key differentiator.”

In addition to being more efficient, the battery proposed by Duvoisin also aims to minimize environmental impact, a growing demand from both consumers and regulators. Conventional batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, have a significant environmental impact during production and disposal. The project has been awarded a prize by the General Motors Institute, and the scientists have already published two high-impact scientific articles.

Duvoisin is therefore committed to creating a more environmentally friendly solution with recyclable materials and a longer life cycle. “One of our priorities is to ensure that the battery is sustainable at every stage of its life. We’re developing ways to minimize waste and ensure that the materials used are recyclable,” he says. “This is essential not only to meet market demands but also to contribute to a more sustainable future.”

More than a market trend, sustainability is a necessity. It is worth noting that the growth in battery consumption has had a significant impact on the environment. This includes the growing use of electric vehicles and other technologies that rely on large-capacity batteries.

Market potential

The project began as academic research, but Duvoisin always intended to make the technology commercial. To this end, partnerships with large companies and institutions are essential: the researcher is already negotiating with companies, both to validate the concept and to expand the possibilities for applying the technology in different sectors. Collaboration allows the project to be validated and tested in real market conditions.

In this context, Duvoisin is optimistic and expects to have news about investors and the next steps in the development of the technology within six months. “We’re at a crucial stage in the project and hope to make further progress with testing and partnerships in the coming months. With the right support, the project can be a global success. The world is ready for a more efficient, safer and more sustainable battery and we’re ready to lead the change.”

According to the inventor, the idea is to provide a solution that is flexible enough to meet different needs, while being sustainable and affordable. The inventor believes that with the right partner, it is possible to have the battery ready for the market in six months. “We’ve had a lot of good discussions. We’re very optimistic because we don’t want to impede anyone. Our goal is to add value.”

 

Source: https://agencia.fapesp.br/54083