Battery technologies Water batteries do not burn

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An international team of researchers and industry representatives, led by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), has developed recyclable water batteries that can neither catch fire nor explode.

Lithium-ion energy storage systems are dominant in the market due to their technological maturity, but their suitability for large-scale energy storage is limited by safety concerns regarding the volatile materials inside. "Our water batteries stand at the forefront of an emerging field of aqueous energy storage, with breakthroughs significantly enhancing the technology's performance and lifespan," says lead researcher Professor Tianyi Ma. "What we design and produce are called aqueous metal-ion batteries – but we can simply call them water batteries."

Water replaces organic electrolytes

Professor Ma's team uses water as a replacement for organic electrolytes that allow the flow of electricity between the anode and cathode. This means that their batteries, unlike their lithium-ion counterparts, can neither catch fire nor explode.

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"Our batteries can be safely dismantled – and the materials can be reused or recycled," says Ma, addressing the problems consumers, industry, and governments worldwide face with the disposal of current energy storage technology.

Simple manufacturing enables mass production

The simplicity of the manufacturing processes for their water batteries has made mass production possible. "We use materials like magnesium and zinc, which are abundant in nature, inexpensive, and less toxic than alternatives used in other types of batteries, helping to reduce manufacturing costs and decrease risks to human health and the environment."

What is the potential for energy storage and lifespan?

The team has produced a series of small test cells for numerous peer-reviewed studies to tackle various technological challenges, including increasing energy storage capacity and lifespan.

The scientists have succeeded in protecting the cathodes and preventing dendrite growth. For this, the team coated the affected parts with bismuth and its oxide as a protective layer, which prevents the formation of dendrites. "Our batteries now last significantly longer – comparable to the commercial lithium-ion batteries on the market – making them ideal for rapid and intensive use in real applications. With the impressive capacity and extended lifespan, we have not only advanced battery technology, but also successfully integrated our design into solar cells, demonstrating efficient and stable storage of renewable energy."

Higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries

The team's water battery narrows the gap to lithium-ion technology in terms of energy density, aiming to require as little space as possible per unit of energy. "We have recently produced a magnesium-ion water battery that has an energy density of 75 Wh/kg – that's up to 30 percent more than the latest Tesla batteries. Next, we want to further increase the energy density of our water batteries by developing new nanomaterials as electrode materials."

According to Ma, magnesium is likely the material of choice for future water batteries. "Magnesium-ion water batteries have the potential to replace lead-acid batteries in the short term – about one to three years – and possibly lithium-ion batteries in the long term, in five to ten years. Magnesium is lighter than alternative metals like zinc and nickel, has a greater potential energy density, and will enable batteries with faster charging times and a better ability to support power-hungry devices and applications."

Possible applications

According to Ma, his team's batteries are well-suited for large-scale applications, making them ideal for grid storage and the integration of renewable energy sources – especially in terms of safety aspects. "With the advancements in our technology, other types of energy storage applications on a smaller scale, such as powering households and entertainment devices, could become a reality."

Close collaboration with other research institutions

As part of an ARC Linkage project, Ma's team is continually developing its water batteries in collaboration with the industry partner GrapheneX, a Sydney-based technical innovator. "We also work closely with researchers and experts from renowned universities and research institutions in Australia, the USA, the UK, Japan, Singapore, China, and other countries. These collaborations facilitate the exchange of knowledge and access to state-of-the-art facilities. By drawing on the expertise of this global team in various fields, we can approach the associated complex challenges from different perspectives."

The team's latest research work titled "Synergy of dendrites-impeded atomic clusters dissociation and side-reactions suppressed inert interface protection for ultrastable Zn anode" was published in Advanced Materials. (tk)

Link: To RMIT University