Chinese scientists have developed a groundbreaking “water battery” that can store far more energy than traditional lithium-ion cells.

 

Chinese scientists have developed a groundbreaking “water battery” that can store far more energy than traditional lithium-ion cells. Created by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this new battery uses water as its electrolyte, making it much safer and non-flammable compared to lithium batteries, which rely on volatile organic solvents.

The team achieved an energy density of about 1,200 Wh per litre — nearly double that of current lithium-ion batteries. This leap in performance is made possible by a special halogen-based chemical system that allows multiple electron transfers, dramatically increasing how much energy the battery can hold.

Beyond its higher capacity, the water battery is also environmentally friendly and less likely to overheat or explode, making it ideal for use in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and large-scale power grids. While more testing is needed before commercialization, this innovation marks a major step toward safer, more powerful, and sustainable energy storage.