China researchers develop nontoxic aqueous battery lasting 10 times longer
Updated
Updated · Livescience.com · May 7
China researchers develop nontoxic aqueous battery lasting 10 times longer
7 articles · Updated · Livescience.com · May 7
In Nature Communications, the team said the pH-7 battery could endure 120,000 charge cycles, or about 300 years at typical grid-storage use rates.
It uses a covalent organic polymer anode for magnesium and calcium ions, aiming to avoid corrosion and performance loss that usually shorten water-based batteries.
Aqueous batteries are cheaper and nonflammable for grid storage, but usually have lower energy density, toxic electrolytes and disposal risks that this design seeks to reduce.
Its electrolyte is as safe as tofu brine, but what's the hidden environmental cost of producing this 'forever' battery?
With a 300-year lifespan, will this battery revolutionize our power grid or will its low energy density limit its impact?
Revolutionary 120,000-Cycle Aqueous Battery Promises Three Centuries of Safe, Sustainable Power
Overview
In April 2026, Chinese researchers unveiled a revolutionary aqueous battery featuring a neutral pH electrolyte with non-toxic magnesium and calcium salts, combined with a novel organic polymer anode. This unique chemistry enables the battery to endure over 120,000 charge cycles, translating to a potential 300-year lifespan, while ensuring safety and minimal environmental impact by avoiding scarce and toxic materials like lithium and cobalt. Although its energy density is lower than lithium-ion batteries, its exceptional longevity and eco-friendly design make it ideal for grid-scale storage and backup applications. China’s supportive policies and dual-track strategy, including advanced fluorine lithium metal batteries for mobility, further drive innovation and commercialization in sustainable energy storage.