Texas A&M’s discovery may unlock high-temp batteries for mobility
A team at Texas A&M University has developed what may be a turning point for high-temperature materials: the world’s first metallic gel. Unlike conventional gels that rely on polymers or organic compounds, this new material is composed entirely of metals and remains structurally stable at temperatures exceeding 1,000°C (1,832°F).
The discovery was led by Dr. Michael J. Demkowicz and emerged unexpectedly during experiments involving copper and tantalum composites. When heated, the copper liquefied while the tantalum held its solid form, creating a microscopic scaffolding that trapped the liquid metal—resulting in a gel-like structure. Rather than collapsing or separating, the material maintained its shape, exhibiting both the malleability of a liquid and the structural integrity of a solid.
CT imaging later confirmed this internal architecture. Though copper and tantalum aren’t ideal for energy storage applications, the team quickly pivoted to more suitable combinations—such as calcium, bismuth, and iron—to explore potential applications in battery design.
Unlocking Mobility for Liquid Metal Batteries
Liquid metal batteries (LMBs) are known for durability and longevity, particularly in grid storage applications. One of their biggest limitations, however, has been mobility. Because these systems rely on layers of molten metal, any movement risks internal shifting that can cause short circuits or failure.
This is where Texas A&M’s metallic gel could shift the equation. By using a stable metallic scaffold to hold the liquid metal in place, LMBs can now maintain their form even when in motion—making them viable for mobile use in vehicles, aerospace systems, or defense technologies.
To test this, the research team created a prototype battery using cube-shaped electrodes: a combination of liquid calcium and solid iron formed the anode, while a bismuth-iron mix served as the cathode. These were submerged in molten salt, acting as the electrolyte, and the cell successfully generated electricity while keeping the electrodes structurally sound.
One long-term vision for this material is in powering hypersonic vehicles, where traditional battery systems fail due to extreme heat. The Texas A&M Consortium for Applied Hypersonics is already exploring this path, leveraging the gel’s potential to deliver high-temperature resilience with efficient energy transfer.
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