Researchers have developed a safe water-based battery that uses minerals similar to those found in tofu brine. This technology is theoretically capable of operating for centuries and meets strict environmental disposal standards.

Design Features

Unlike traditional batteries that use aggressive acids and alkalis, which cause corrosion and environmental pollution during disposal, the new battery employs an electrolyte based on neutral magnesium and calcium salts. Maintaining a pH level of 7.0 prevents internal corrosion of the components.

The negative electrode is made from a synthesized covalent organic polymer—hexaketone-tetraamino-dibenzo-p-dioxin. Its plastic-like structure ensures high conductivity and rapid kinetics for storing divalent ions. The positive electrode is based on a compound similar to Prussian blue.

Efficiency and Longevity

Tests have shown that the battery delivers a voltage of 2.2 volts and a specific energy of 48.3 watt-hours per kilogram, considering the total mass of electrodes and electrolyte. The system remains stable over 120,000 charge cycles at a specific current of 20 amperes per gram. With daily charging, the battery's lifespan can exceed 300 years, far surpassing standard batteries, which degrade after just a few thousand cycles.

The system's specific capacity reaches 112.8 milliampere-hours per gram.

Environmental Safety and Prospects

Thanks to its environmentally safe internal materials, the battery can be disposed of in accordance with international standards, including the US Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and ISO 14001. For commercialization, developers need to address the challenges of scaling up organic polymer production and increasing overall energy capacity in limited spaces.