cross-posted from: https://sopuli.xyz/post/1726805
RMIT engineers say they've tripled the energy density of cheap, rechargeable, recyclable proton flow batteries, which can now challenge commercially available lithium-ion batteries for capacity with a specific energy density of 245 Wh/kg.
What's the reactions? Proton battery sounds like a media-friendly name for a hydrogen fuel cell?
Is it a H fuel cell?
It seems to be a hydrogen fuel cell with an integrated hydrogen atom store made of carbon, capable of absorbing 1% of its own weight in hydrogen.
This seems a little, but a mass unit of hydrogen contains a lot of molecules, so a lot of chemical energy (it is the lightest element after all). For example, 1 kilogram of hydrogen is 12 cubic meters at room temperature, so 1 gram is 12 liters - enough to do a lot of work, if reacted right.
According to the source, it's different in that it stores the hydrogen before it combines to H2, reducing energy waste to the point that it's feasible to treat it as rechargeable instead of single-use. Lithium equivalent instead of alkaline.
https://newatlas.com/energy/rmit-proton-battery-energy-density/
https://newatlas.com/energy/rmit-proton-battery-energy-density/
Proton battery is in reference to hydrogen having a single proton, so proton battery.