Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) have introduced a novel battery system which utilizes hydrogen gas as the anode, presenting new opportunities for next generation energy storage solutions.
Their work, published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition, overcomes the voltage restrictions found in traditional hydrogen batteries by using H2 as the anode instead of the cathode. When paired with lithium metal to form an Li-H battery, the system exhibited exceptional electrochemical performance with significant energy density improvements.
To further improve on the cost efficiency and safety of the battery the team further refined the design, eliminating the need for pre-installed lithium metal in the anode. Instead of including lithium metal, the system relies on lithium deposition during charging thanks to the addition of various lithium salts in the electrolyte.
The battery system developed presents countless new opportunities in next generation energy storage from improving electric vehicle performance to advancing renewable energy grids. When compared to traditional nickel-hydrogen batteries, the new Li-H system provides exceptional improvements to energy density and efficiency.