Beijing: Chinese scientists have developed a water-based battery with almost twice the energy density of conventional lithium batteries, according to new research published in the journal Nature Energy.
According to researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, tests revealed that the effective energy density of water batteries based on iodine and bromine can reach 1,200 watt hours per liter (Wh / L), not more than 700 Wh/L water lithium batteries.
The researchers also pointed to the safety advantages of water batteries over non-liquid lithium batteries, known for their high flammability.
According to researchers, as reported by the South China Morning Post, water-based batteries “show promising potential for the development of the next generation of high energy density and reliable rechargeable water batteries.”
One of the authors, Li Xianfeng, professor at CAS Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, said their findings can “expand water batteries in the field of batteries.”
Today, most electric vehicles rely on lithium-ion batteries to run.
According to the US Department of Energy, a lithium-ion battery pack for an electric car contains about 8 kilograms (kg) of lithium.
