Scientists have created a fully organic proton battery that charges in minutes

A research team from Uppsala University (Switzerland) has developed a unique proton battery built exclusively from organic materials, which makes it completely environmentally friendly (in comparison with existing samples).

In addition, the created prototype is fully charged in just 100 seconds.

Why is this development needed

As you well know, the vast majority of batteries on the market today are built on the basis of lithium.

And this is not only a rather expensive and rare metal, but also very dangerous for the environment. Therefore, there is a big problem of disposal of used lithium-ion batteries.

A research team from Uppsala University has set itself the task of creating a completely eco-friendly battery.

Therefore, it was decided to use in the work a group of organic compounds called quinones.

These compounds are used by some bacteria as well as plants in processes such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

The electrodes for the experimental battery were created from polymers of certain quinones, which were then immersed in an acidic solution of water. He took over the functions of the electrolyte.

The result is a classic battery, with the exception that hydrogen ions act as a charge carrier in the created laboratory battery.

And since these ions contain only protons, the resulting system became known as a proton battery.

Pros and cons of development

Despite initial success, many challenges remain. The battery thus created has a very small capacity, which is only 60 mAh.

But this is still one significant drawback. The battery thus created withstood 500 discharge-charge cycles without significant loss of capacity.

And the full charge time is only 100 seconds.

The created electrolyte showed excellent frost resistance. The battery retained full functionality and capacity at temperatures down to -24 degrees Celsius.

Of course, the project is still very far from full-fledged commercial use, but the principle itself and the fact of the existence of a completely safe and ecological battery are important.

And now the scientific group will focus its efforts on the development of technology and the creation of a full-fledged competitor to modern lithium-ion batteries.

Scientists published their findings in the journal Angewandte Chemie.

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