Chinese Researchers Develop Water-Based Battery with 300-Year Lifespan

Beijing:  Chinese researchers have developed a non-toxic water-based battery with a theoretical operating lifespan of up to 300 years, offering potential advances in energy storage technology.

The researchers stated that the battery could achieve the extended lifespan when operated under a daily charging cycle, while also providing high efficiency and environmentally safe disposal compared to conventional batteries.

The development relies on synthetic covalent organic polymers (COPs), durable materials rich in carbon and nitrogen that contain micropores facilitating ion movement within the battery.

The materials were used as positive electrodes for magnesium and calcium ions.

Water-based batteries are considered less costly and less flammable than lithium-ion batteries, although they have traditionally faced challenges related to limited operating life caused by degradation of internal components.

According to a study published in the scientific journal Nature Communications, the research team developed a chemical compound with a stable honeycomb-like structure that improves ion attraction and enhances long-term operational stability.

The researchers also used an acid-neutral electrolyte solution to improve ion transport efficiency without affecting battery stability.

The study found that the battery can withstand around 120,000 charging and discharging cycles, exceeding the lifespan of current lithium-ion batteries used in electrical grid energy storage by more than ten times.

The researchers noted that the battery materials are safe and non-toxic, while the electrolyte solution used is already applied in certain food industries, reducing environmental risks during disposal.

The team expressed hope that the technology will support the development of safer, more efficient and sustainable batteries for future energy storage systems and electrical grids.