Chinese scientists have developed a new battery technology utilizing a non-toxic electrolyte solution comparable to tofu brine, potentially offering a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries. The research, conducted by teams from City University of Hong Kong, Yanan University, the Southern University of Science and Technology, and Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, centers on a water-based battery capable of maintaining performance through over 120,000 recharge cycles.
Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which rely on flammable organic electrolytes and pose environmental challenges due to hazardous waste processing requirements, the new battery employs organic electrodes and a water-based electrolyte. This eliminates the risk of fire and simplifies disposal, according to a paper published February 18 in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications. Researchers state the battery demonstrates “exceptional long-term cycling stability and environmental friendliness under neutral conditions.”
The development addresses a key limitation of existing water-based battery designs – lower energy density. Scientists at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have been pursuing higher energy density aqueous batteries based on halogen multi-electron transfer. Their work, detailed in a study published in Nature Energy, focuses on a cathode utilizing bromine and iodine, achieving a specific capacity exceeding 840 Ah/L and an energy density of up to 1200 Wh/L.
This increased energy density is achieved through the use of a mixed halogen solution containing iodide and bromide ions. The research builds on efforts to overcome the inherent limitations of aqueous batteries, which traditionally suffer from lower voltage and limited electrolyte solubility. The new design aims to rival the performance of lithium-ion batteries while mitigating safety concerns.
The potential applications for this technology extend to electric vehicles and large-scale grid storage, areas currently dominated by lithium-ion technology. While the new battery is significantly safer and more environmentally friendly, its widespread adoption remains dependent on further research and development to optimize performance and production costs. Some experts suggest that water batteries, while promising, are unlikely to fully replace lithium-ion batteries in the immediate future, potentially requiring a decade or more of refinement before becoming commercially viable on a large scale.
Researchers are also exploring the use of similar aqueous battery technology to create batteries that are twice as energy-dense as traditional lithium-ion options. This could revolutionize the electric vehicle industry, offering a safer and more sustainable power source. The DICP team’s work highlights the growing focus on aqueous battery technology as a viable alternative to conventional battery systems.