Andi's Writeup
Proton batteries are emerging as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries for energy storage, offering several key advantages. Recent research from UNSW Sydney has demonstrated a breakthrough in proton battery technology using a novel organic material called tetraamino-benzoquinone (TABQ)[^6].
The technology works by storing protons (hydrogen ions) rather than lithium ions, leveraging their unique properties as the smallest and lightest ions of any element[^7]. The UNSW prototype achieved 3,500 charging cycles while performing well even in sub-zero temperatures[^6].
Key benefits of proton batteries include:
- Fast charging capabilities
- Zero carbon emissions
- Lower environmental impact
- Enhanced safety due to water-based electrolytes
- Potential lower costs due to abundant materials
- High energy and power density
The primary challenges currently facing proton battery development include:
- High production costs for electrode materials
- Limited voltage range in existing organic electrode materials
- Technology still in early development stages[^6]
Professor Chuan Zhao from UNSW notes: "The electrolyte in a lithium-ion battery is made of lithium salt, a solvent which is flammable and therefore is a big concern. In our case, we have both electrodes made of organic molecules, and in between we have the water solution, making our prototype battery lightweight, safe and affordable."[^6]
[^6]: UNSW - Proton batteries: an innovative option for the future of energy storage
[^7]: Harvard ADS - Proton batteries shape the next energy storage
These articles always read as "bla bla bla fusion bla bla neutrinos bla bla zero environmental impact bla bla billion percent capacity improvement" and nothing ever seems to hit the shelves. We've had world changing breakthroughs in battery tech every single week for the last 30 years, it seems.
It's an imperative need of it to search better alternatives to Lithium, because Lithium is a very dangerous metal (drill a lithium battery and you'll see ☠️) with severe environment, economic and policy impact. Not a solution for sostainable energy, Every investigation for alternatives are welcome.