Water and technology don’t mix! But what if they did?
This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science.
Scientists from China’s Yibin Academy of Southwest University floated an electrifying idea for… MARINE BATTERIES! Hmmm.
Batteries use electrodes to direct the flow of ions, like SODIUM, to power your device. Yihao Jian and team made stringy, durable electrodes, which could bend without breaking!
Then, the secret ingredient…SALTWATER! This completed the circuit between the flexible electrodes. They just needed open exposure to the ocean! This battery recharged TWO HUNDRED times in saltwater while retaining eighty-six percent of original capacity!
These seawater batteries could make the difference for marine equipment, such as lighting up lifejackets.
You’ve heard of batteries, but say hello to batterSEAS!
Reference: Jian, Y., Ju, J., Pei, L., et al. Constructing High-Performance Yarn-Shaped Electrodes via Twisting-after-Coating Technique for Weavable Seawater Battery. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 16 (51), 71038-7104 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.4c1643