Researchers from the University of Central Florida announced the development of the aqueous battery, a technology designed to prevent fires in electric vehicles (EVs) and personal electronics. According to the researchers, the battery uses saltwater rather than the flammable organic solvents commonly found in lithium-ion batteries.
UCF associate professor and research lead Yang Yang said that the new battery uses saltwater as an electrolyte. Although a short circuit can occur when saltwater corrodes a battery — potentially igniting its flammable components — the materials in the aqueous battery would not short circuit if used improperly or flooded in saltwater, a concern among EV owners who live in areas affected by hurricanes.
The team used metal ions located in saltwater, including sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, to produce the dual-cation battery. This approach reportedly increased the energy storage capacity.
Additionally, the researchers included nano-engineering in the battery’s design, which allowed it to achieve a full charge in three minutes. The nano-engineered surface enabled the researchers to manage electrochemical reactions and increase stability.
A 3D zinc-copper anode that contains a slim zinc-oxide protective layer also prevents the growth of zinc dendrites, which can harm batteries’ negative electrodes over time.
