\u00a9 iStock\/PlargueDoctor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThese include a narrow thermodynamic electrochemical stability window, faulty operations that could result in explosions, and low energy density. The researchers explained that novel versions using innovative materials, currently in the early stages of commercialisation, could represent the next big battery advancement.<\/p>\n
Yao said: \u201cThe goal is to create an advanced aqueous battery that can deliver the best of both worlds. This new water-based battery will deliver better safety and higher voltage.\u201d<\/p>\n
How can the battery design be optimised?<\/h3>\n Pioneering a new and improved aqueous battery will require understanding of the complex intricacies and new technologies, such as mixing and matching ion-selective membranes and coatings to lean water electrolytes and developing new types of electrode reactions and modular cell design.<\/p>\n
The researchers explained that the target is to broaden the window of electrochemical stability, which will enable battery chemistry to perform across a wider voltage range and produce more energy.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow we integrate the different components will have a profound impact in this field,\u201d Liang said. \u201cWe must mix and match and try new combinations. Sometimes it will result in improvement in one area but compromises in another. We have to be realistic and keep trying to make it better and better. One day, you will have an aqueous battery with the same voltage as the lithium-ion battery, but it will be safer because it is water-based.\u201d<\/p>\n
What technologies could these batteries power?<\/h3>\n Yao and Liang recently established a startup called LiBeyond, which aims to scale up and advance battery technologies developed at the university. They are confident that aqueous batteries will be pivotal in electric vehicles and other aspects of transportation to help decarbonise entire fleets and power grid-scale storage.<\/p>\n
Yao concluded: \u201cOne of the key features of aqueous batteries is safety, which is vital in wearable technologies because you wear them directly on the body. This will be especially important when grid reliability is key, such as during hurricanes, winter storms, and other emergencies. The possibilities these modern aqueous batteries will offer once developed are endless.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Researchers from the University of Houston believe that aqueous batteries could be the key to sustainably powering a green future. Lithium-ion batteries are the main power source utilised in most electronics, from smartphones to electric vehicles, and are expected to dominate 80% of the rechargeable battery market in the coming years. However, despite possessing a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":28507,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24204],"tags":[649,24203],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Are aqueous batteries the key to global electrification?<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n