Researchers in China have developed a water-based battery, which is claimed to be much safer and energy-efficient than “highly flammable” non-aqueous lithium batteries.
Moreover, aqueous batteries use water as the solvent for electrolytes, enhancing their safety. Traditional non-aqueous lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density, but their safety is compromised due to the flammable organic electrolytes, aHowever, aqueous batteries generally have a lower energy density due to the limited solubility of the electrolyte and low battery voltage.
This cathode achieved a specific capacity of more than 840 Ah/L and an energy density of up to 1200 Wh/L based on catholyte in full battery testing, according to a new study published inTo improve the energy density of aqueous batteries, researchers used a mixed halogen solution of iodide ions and bromide ions as the electrolyte. They developed a multi-electron transfer reaction, transferring I- to iodine element and then to iodate .
Scientists also mentioned that their batteries’ energy density even “exceeded that of some solid electrode materials” and could be comparable in cost to traditional lithium batteries.