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

A Chinese research team succeeded in developing a non-toxic water-based battery that could represent a qualitative leap in the field of energy storage, after demonstrating operational capacity that could theoretically extend to about 300 years, with higher levels of safety and sustainability compared to traditional batteries. The team relied on manufactured covalent organic polymers, materials characterized by a stable structure and fine pores that help improve ion movement inside the battery, while they were used as positive electrodes for magnesium and calcium ions. The researchers also developed a chemical compound with a structure similar to a honeycomb, which enhanced the battery's ability to endure and operate for long periods. The new battery can withstand about 120 thousand charge and discharge cycles, a figure that exceeds more than ten times the lifespan of currently used lithium-ion batteries. The use of a neutral and non-toxic electrolyte solution contributed to raising the battery's efficiency and reducing the risks of corrosion or chemical decomposition. Although water-based batteries still have less energy storage capacity compared to lithium-ion batteries, researchers hope that the new technology will contribute to developing safer and more sustainable energy storage systems for future uses, especially in large electrical grids.