A team of researchers from the University of New South Wales has developed a new type of battery that uses protons instead of lithium. The work was published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition (ACIE), Day.Az reports with reference to Gazeta.ru.
Proton batteries work by using hydrogen ions (protons) to store energy. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, they do not rely on scarce lithium, which greatly reduces their cost. Moreover, such batteries charge faster, operate at low temperatures and have a long service life.
“We see huge opportunities for the use of proton batteries in energy and other fields. This is a step towards creating a more sustainable energy infrastructure,” said Professor Chuan Zhao, who led the study.
The key material of the new development was tetraaminobenzoquinone, an organic compound designed to efficiently store protons. Thanks to its chemical structure, it allows the battery to maintain high capacity.
The prototype created by scientists based on it demonstrated impressive results: 3500 full charge and discharge cycles without loss of efficiency. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which contain a flammable electrolyte, the proton alternative uses a safe aqueous solution, making it lightweight, environmentally friendly and suitable for a wide range of applications.
The researchers plan to improve cathode materials to increase the battery’s output voltage.
The discovery could significantly change the approach to energy storage, making it safer, more environmentally friendly and more affordable.