New Energy Storage: Water Based Batteries

Scientists from Texas A&M University say they can produce highly efficient batteries with metal-free, water-based electrodes. Although it produces energy during the day, it is very important to store this energy and transfer it to other days. Therefore, energy storage is one of the most vital issues for creating a sustainable world. Scientists are also working on energy storage. Texas A&M University has made a very important breakthrough.

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How Do Water Based Batteries Work?

According to research, these batteries can be 10 times more advantageous in energy storage. Water-based batteries, like conventional batteries, consist of an anode (positively charged electrode) and a cathode (negatively charged electrode). The energy-storing anode and cathode are made of polymer, while the electrolyte is basically salt water. Energy is released when ions move through the electrolyte between the cathode and anode parts.

If an electrode swells too much during the cycle, it cannot conduct electrons very well. And it can lose all its performance. Due to the swelling effect, up to 10-fold differences in energy storage capacity can occur depending on the choice of electrolyte. Water-based batteries are promising due to the high discharge voltage and fast redox kinetics of polymers.

Researchers suggest that water-based batteries could reduce potential metal deficiencies, such as cobalt and lithium, and also eliminate the possibility of battery fires. Considering that there will be a shortage of materials in the future, the price of lithium-ion batteries is likely to rise considerably. This is why an alternative battery technology is so important. Scientists also emphasize that we are at the beginning of the road in energy storage in a water-based environment and that there are many details to be investigated.