What are water batteries?

'Water batteries' are formally known as aqueous metal-ion batteries. These devices use metals such as magnesium or zinc, which are cheaper to assemble and less toxic than the materials currently used in other kinds of batteries.

Could water replace lithium ion batteries?

Researchers at RMIT University find a way to replace the electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries with water, an innovation that could remove the fire risk entirely.

Could a water battery remove fire risk from lithium-ion batteries?

Image: Distinguished Professor Tianyi Ma (left) and Dr Lingfeng Zhu at RMIT University with the team’s water battery. Carelle Mulawa-Richards, RMIT University Researchers at RMIT University have found a way to replace the electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries with water, an innovation that could remove the fire risk from the devices entirely.

Are 'water batteries' safe for large-scale grid energy?

A global team of researchers and industry collaborators, led by RMIT University in Melbourne, have invented recyclable “water batteries” that potentially mitigate safety concerns for large-scale grid energy. Professor Tianyi Ma (left) and Lingfeng Zhu at RMIT University with the team’s water battery.

Could a 'water battery' be a greener alternative?

Water and electronics don't usually mix, but as it turns out, batteries could benefit from some H 2 O. By replacing the hazardous chemical electrolytes used in commercial batteries with water, scientists have developed a recyclable 'water battery' – and solved key issues with the emerging technology, which could be a safer and greener alternative.

How much energy does a magnesium ion water battery have?

“We recently made a magnesium-ion water battery that has an energy density of 75 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh kg-1) – up to 30% that of the latest Tesla car batteries, so the next step is to increase the energy density of our water batteries by developing new nano materials as the electrode materials.”