Battery & Electrification Technology - May/June 2024 - 25

costs and reduces risks to human
health and the environment. "
The team has made a series of
small-scale trial batteries for numerous
peer-reviewed studies to tackle
various technological challenges, including
boosting energy storage capacity
and the lifespan.
In their latest work, published
in Advanced Materials, they've triumphed
over a major challenge -
the growth of disruptive dendrites,
which are spiky metallic formations
that can lead to short circuits and
other serious faults.
The team coated affected battery
parts with a metal called bismuth and
its oxide (otherwise known as rust)
as a protective layer that prevented
dendrite formation.
" Our batteries now last significantly
longer - comparable to the
commercial lithium-ion batteries in
the market - making them ideal
for high-speed and intensive use in
real-world applications.
" With impressive capacity and
extended lifespan, we've not only
advanced battery technology but
also successfully integrated our design
with solar panels, showcasing
efficient and stable renewable energy
storage. "
The team's water battery is closing
the gap with Li-ion technology in
terms of energy density, with the aim
of using as little space per unit of
power as possible.
" 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
percent that of the latest Tesla car
batteries. "
" The next step is to increase the
Distinguished Professor Tianyi Ma (left) and Dr. Lingfeng Zhu at RMIT University with the team's
water battery. (Image: Carelle Mulawa-Richards, RMIT University)
energy density of our water batteries
by developing new nanomaterials as
the electrode materials. "
Ma said magnesium was likely to be
the material of choice for future water
batteries.
" Magnesium-ion water batteries have
the potential to replace lead-acid battery
in the short term - like one to
three years - and to replace potentially
lithium-ion battery in the long term, 5
to 10 years from now. "
Distinguished Professor Tianyi Ma adds water as an electrolyte to a small battery. (Image: Carelle
Mulawa-Richards, RMIT University)
" Magnesium is lighter than the alternative
metals, including zinc and nickel,
has a greater potential energy density
and will enable batteries with faster
charging times and better capability
to support power-hungry devices and
applications. "
Ma said the team's batteries were
well suited for large-scale applications,
making them ideal for grid storage and
Battery & Electrification Technology, May/June 2024
renewable energy integration - especially
in terms of safety considerations.
" As our technology advances, other
kinds of smaller-scale energy storage
applications such as powering people's
homes and entertainment devices could
become a reality. "
For more information, contact RMIT
External Affairs and Media at news@
rmit.edu.au; +04 397-04-077.
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