Researchers at the University of Maryland (UMD) have made significant progress in the field of water-based batteries.
They developed an innovative electrolyte capable of overcoming the technical challenges that have long hindered the use of this type of battery in advanced applications.
This breakthrough is seen as a promising step toward bridging the gap between traditional aqueous batteries.
Such as lead-acid and nickel-metal hydride batteries.
As well as advanced lithium-ion batteries that rely on non-aqueous electrolytes.
Unprecedented Voltage and Long Lifespan
Professor Wang Chunsheng from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering revealed that the new electrolyte can operate within a wide voltage range of 0.0 to 4.9 volts.
This is an unprecedented range for water-based batteries, according to Interesting Engineering.
This achievement surpasses the known “long-term reduction limit” of aqueous electrolytes, previously capped at 1.3 volts.
It opens the door to developing high-energy-density aqueous batteries.
According to lead author Xue Zhang, the new battery maintained stable performance for over 2,000 charge cycles.
Indicating exceptional durability over time.
He added, “We were able to develop membrane-free, dual-layer aqueous/organic electrolytes with reduced interfacial resistance between the two phases by using super-rock-loving ions.”
Water-Based Batteries: Environmental Benefits and Technical Challenges
Aqueous batteries are known for being safe and environmentally friendly.
This gives them a clear advantage over conventional batteries.
However, their limited electrochemical stability range has been a major obstacle to achieving higher operating voltages and competitive energy densities.
The research team managed to overcome this limitation with their new technique.
This could be a game-changer for the use of aqueous batteries in a wide range of fields.
From electric aviation to large-scale low-carbon energy storage, and even lithium extraction from seawater.
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Innovative Solutions to Interface Challenges
Published in Nature Nanotechnology, the research highlights one of the key challenges in aqueous/non-aqueous electrolytes: the mixing of the two phases and the high resistance at the interface during lithium-ion transfer.
To address this issue, the team proposed using compounds like 12-crown-4 and tetraglyme (G4) to form lithium-ion nanoclusters in both phases, thereby easing the ion transfer across the interface.
They also pointed out that previous attempts using “water-in-salt” electrolytes achieved stability of only up to 3.0 volts.
And were not suitable for use with lithium metal or graphite anodes — two critical components in high-performance batteries.
Toward Safe, High-Density Batteries
Thanks to this breakthrough, the team has overcome one of the most critical barriers facing water-based batteries.
This paves the way for a new generation of energy storage technologies that combine high energy density with safety.
It also positions them as strong candidates to power the next wave of clean energy applications.
