Chinese scientists say they have created a new type of battery that might offer a safer alternative to conventional lithium-based batteries. Photo: CCTV
Researchers based at China’s Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have developed the world’s first functionally hydrogen ion battery. It could potentially be an alternative to lithium-based systems. The prototype is solid-state and operates at room temperature, and uses hydrogen ions (H⁻) to store and transfer energy rather than lithium.
The components are a cerium dihydride anode, a sodium alanate (NaAlH₄) cathode, and porcelain, a solid electrolyte design of 3 CeH₃ @ BaH₂. The design is layered, with a core of conductive cerium trihydride, stabilized by a shell made of barium hydride. The structure provides ionic conductivity, as well as stabilization.
The battery functioned in a lab environment with initial discharge capacity (mAh/g) of 984, and a stable 402 mAh/g after 20 cycles. Most interestingly, to confirm function, a yellow LED was powered at a voltage of 1.9 volts.
This hydride battery will avoid a lot of issues involving lithium ion battery systems, including flammability, and dendrite formation. The hydride battery should be safer, possible cheaper, and applicable to apps like portable electronics and renewable energy storage.
There is still developmental work ahead, but it's a very interesting step forward in solid-state battery applications, and continues to show a growing leadership position China has in developing next generation energy technologies.
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