Tokyo Tech doubles voltage of safer aqueous proton battery

Cell recharges faster than lithium-ion and won't burst into flames

20230509N aqueous proton battery prototype

An aqueous proton battery cell developed by researchers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. (Photo courtesy of the Tokyo Institute of Technology)

JOTA TSUCHIYA, Nikkei staff writer

May 10, 2023 10:01 JST

TOKYO -- A team from the Tokyo Institute of Technology has successfully tested an aqueous proton battery that doubles the voltage of previous prototypes, bringing the next-generation battery closer to commercial feasibility.

Aqueous proton batteries release electricity via the movement of hydrogen ions, also known as protons. They are seen as a possible alternative to lithium-ion batteries because they are not prone to catching fire.