Scientists Are Charging To Make The First Non-Toxic Batteries

It’s no secret that disposable batteries pose significant risks. Laden with harmful substances like lead, cadmium, and mercury, they have the potential to poison humans, animals and even contaminate our precious soil and water sources.

A new discovery might be in the works by scientists from Flinders University Australia and Zhejiang Sci-Tech University in China: a potential new breed of batteries that are aqueous, non-toxic, and designed for safe recycling. The study was first published in the American Chemical Society journal.

This new version utilizes a unique composition of stable organic radicals, including an element with the tongue-twisting name 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl-1-oxy, also known as TEMPO.

In the study, the team replaced hazardous chemicals with water-based liquids. These innovative water-based electrolytes endow the new batteries with unique qualities: fire retardance and air stability. Meanwhile, the resistance to fire ensures efficient and secure energy storage capabilities.

Furthermore, they contain elements found in the earth’s crust, such as Al3+, Zn2+, or Mg2+, which allows them to have a higher energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion ones. 

The team has completed the first stage of development in their studies and has set a new standard for battery safety and performance. With their sights set on a greener future, the researchers aspire to employ these biodegradable materials to create soft-pack batteries. By doing so, they aim to ensure various products' safety, sustainability, and recyclability.

[via Interesting Engineering and TechXplore, ID 3100720 © Les Cunliffe | Dreamstime.com]