Australian researchers make water battery breakthroughResearchers at RMIT University have found a way to replace the electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries with water, an innovation that could remove the fire risk from the devices entirely.
So far, the team has created button-sized batteries that have achieved an energy density of 75 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh kg-1), or 30 per cent of the latest Tesla car batteries.
“We use materials such as magnesium and zinc that are abundant in nature, inexpensive and less toxic than alternatives used in other kinds of batteries, which helps to lower manufacturing costs and reduces risks to human health and the environment,” says lead researcher, distinguished professor Tianyi Ma.
“What we design and manufacture are called aqueous metal-ion batteries – or we can call them water batteries.
“Addressing end-of-life disposal challenges that consumers, industry and governments globally face with current energy storage technology, our batteries can be safely disassembled and the materials can be reused or recycled.”
https://reneweconomy.com.au/australian-researchers-make-water-battery-breakthrough/
