Alberta researcher develops safer batteries for grid energy storage
As Canada ramps up its use of renewable energy, the need for safer, scalable battery storage has never been greater. A new breakthrough from the University of Alberta could help meet that demand—using an ingredient as common as seawater.
Xiaolei Wang, associate professor of chemical and materials engineering, is developing rechargeable aqueous batteries, a safer and more cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries, specifically designed for grid-level energy storage.
Why aqueous batteries are safer
Lithium-ion batteries, widely used in electric vehicles and electronics, rely on flammable organic solvents, making them prone to fire and explosion. In contrast, aqueous batteries use water as a solvent, vastly improving safety.
“Water is what we use to put out fires,” says Wang. “The chance of these batteries catching fire or exploding is extremely low.”
This safety edge makes aqueous batteries well-suited to large-scale installations where safety risks and maintenance costs are amplified.
While aqueous batteries aren’t yet energy-dense enough to replace lithium in vehicles, they shine in durability. Wang’s team has developed anodes that last up to 380,000 charge cycles, with strong performance even in cold or fast-charging conditions.
“Different batteries serve different needs,” Wang says. “This technology is perfect for storing renewable energy at scale.”
At the heart of this innovation is a new anode made from polymer nanosheets and carbon nanotubes, which can store a variety of ions—including those found in seawater. This opens the door to more sustainable, low-cost battery production.
These materials, tested with the help of the Canadian Light Source (CLS) synchrotron in Saskatchewan, give the battery superior stability and capacity.
Canadian path to clean energy
Backed by funding from national science bodies and powered by CLS research tools, Wang’s work has the potential to support Canada’s clean energy transition by making renewable power more reliable and accessible.
“If we can use this type of battery technology to store energy, we can have safer, more affordable batteries for everyone,” he says.
With continued development, seawater-based batteries could soon help reshape how we store the power of wind and sun—safely and sustainably.
