https://english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/chem/202404/t20240423_660866.shtml
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-024-01515-9
Traditional non-aqueous lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density, but their safety is compromised due to the flammable organic electrolytes they utilize. Aqueous batteries use water as the solvent for electrolytes, significantly enhancing battery safety. However, due to the limited solubility of the electrolyte and low battery voltage, aqueous batteries typically have lower energy density. This means that the amount of electricity stored per unit volume of aqueous battery is relatively low.
A research team around LI Xianfeng and FU Qiang from CAS DICP developed a multielectron transfer cathode based on bromine and iodine, realizing a specific capacity of more than 840 Ah/L and achieving an energy density of up to 1200 Wh/L based on catholyte in full battery testing. They consider there results as a new idea for the design of high-energy-density aqueous batteries, which may expand aqueous battery applications in the power battery field.