this post was submitted on 30 Jul 2023
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edit I am an idiot, who uploaded the image link as the URL. The original source should now be accessible

RMIT engineers say they've tripled the energy density of cheap, rechargeable, recyclable proton flow batteries, which can now challenge commercially available lithium-ion batteries for capacity with a specific energy density of 245 Wh/kg.

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Does this exist as a consumer product yet?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (6 children)

This is a research paper, so it's gonna be at least a couple of years until ot could be seen in products. However the battery uses hydrogen, it's effectively an alternative to fuel cells, so the use case would be in vehicles rather than yout phone. That being said, hydrogen fuel infrastructure is almost non-existent right now.

[–] NeoNachtwaechter 14 points 1 year ago (1 children)

the battery uses hydrogen, it's effectively an alternative to fuel cells,

No, and No.

You want to read the article linked above.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

You want to read the article linked above.

We don't do that here

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Is the infrastructure relevant though? As I understand it, the battery is charged by splitting water (H2O) into Oxygen and Hydrogen atoms (instead of H2 molecules, hence the name proton battery) and instead of compressing and cooling it, having a solid structure in which to store the protons. When drawing energy from the battery the opposite process takes place. So basically it is both an electrolyser when charging and a classic fuel cell when discharging with the storage of hydrogen (protons) being integrated in the same battery through a porous solid (mainly carbon). To quote from the article: >It looks like more of a battery competitor than a fuel cell competitor, though.

Next to the advantages they cite (energy and power density, abundant and environmentally unproblematic materials, recyclability, not explosive) I do wonder about the density in terms of volume. If they are bigger in size, they could constitute a better solution for big energy storages within the grid or at home, where now many are using lithium ion batteries.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago

You should definitely read the linked article. You're right about it being for your car, not your phone, but seriously, read the article.

[–] notavote 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Others downvote you and say "read the article", but not giving arguments.

I read the article and it is not clear what is the advantage... looks like less pressure is needed than other types of hidrogen cells, but there are no details.

I agree with you, don't hold your breath for this. All details would be in first sentence if there was any chance of this becoming reality.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

The advantages are, every part of the device can be easily recycled, and the parts to make the charge-holding portion of the battery are less damaging to acquire than in li-ion

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

And you basically have 2 options for hydrogen production: oil consuming and GG-emitting steam reformation, or energy intensive electrolysis of water, unless there's another i don't know

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

From what the article said, most definitely not. But, it doesn't look very complex in terms of scaling / manufcaturing it and they say they want to get it to market quickly.