Researchers are advancing iron-based batteries as a promising sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion technology for energy storage. By adding silicate to the battery’s design, scientists have found a way to improve efficiency, making these batteries a viable option for large-scale renewable energy storage applications.
As renewable energy sources like solar and wind power gain momentum, the challenge of efficiently storing this energy persists. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used for storage, depend on materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt—elements that are increasingly difficult to obtain and expensive, fueling the search for alternatives.
Professor Xiaowei Teng and his team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are exploring iron, an abundant and low-cost material, as a key component for next-generation batteries. Iron is widely recycled and much more accessible than traditional battery metals. However, iron-nickel batteries, which have been around since Thomas Edison’s time, have historically been plagued by low energy efficiency due to the production of hydrogen gas during charging.
Teng’s team recently discovered that adding silicate, a common compound found in glass and cement, to the battery’s electrolyte can prevent the formation of hydrogen gas. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly boost the efficiency of iron-based batteries, providing a more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion without the same environmental and supply chain concerns.
These advancements could reshape the future of energy storage, particularly for applications like microgrids, solar installations, and wind power systems. If further optimized, iron-based batteries may offer a large-scale, cleaner solution for storing renewable energy and could play a key role in reducing reliance on scarce and expensive battery materials.
With this research, iron-based batteries are emerging as a strong contender for improving the sustainability and reliability of energy storage, aligning with global efforts to transition toward greener, more renewable energy systems.
Source: WPI Research
