Work

Integrating proton co-storage in iron-based anodes for high-performance nickel-iron batteries

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The growing demand for sustainable energy solutions has intensified the need for efficient, cost-effective, and scalable energy storage technologies. Among candidate systems, nickel‑iron (Ni-Fe) batteries stand out due to their low cost, abundant materials, and inherent safety, offer significant potential for large-scale applications. However, their practical application is hindered by limited energy density and inefficient charge-storage mechanisms. This study presents a novel approach to address these challenges by integrating a proton co-storage mechanism into Ni-Fe batteries. The batteries are constructed using cobalt boride (Co-B) alloy cold-pressed onto Fe foam as anodes (Co-B/Fe) and in-situ grown hydroxyl hydroxide (NiOOH) on Ni foam as cathodes (NiOOH/Ni). The integration of proton co-storage enables additional redox reactions through reversible proton absorption and oxidation, leading to a record-high improvements in energy storage. The resulting battery delivers an exceptional areal capacity of ∼7.59 mAh cm −2 and an energy density of ∼21.26 Wh cm −2 , while maintaining ∼91.1 % of its initial capacity after 3000 cycles, demonstrating acceptable cycling stability. This work paves the way for next-generation batteries, offering a new solution for cost-effective and environmentally friendly battery technologies. Iron-based anodes face challenges in low capacity and charging efficiency. This work introduces a proton co-storage mechanism that significantly improves performance, offering a promising strategy for high-efficiency Ni-Fe batteries. Schematic illustration of the proton co-storage mechanism in the iron-based anode. • The first proton co-storage mechanism integrated into iron-based electrode. • Extendable design principles for other aqueous batteries. • Areal capacity of ∼7.59 mAh cm −2 and energy density of ∼21.26 Wh cm −2 . • Record-high capacity with low-cost, safe, and scalable architecture.

Source: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2025.138705

Authors: Jiale Cao, Can Li, Zheng Li, Xueying Zhang, Xiaoning Li, Botian Liu

Institutions: Guilin University of Technology, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Electrochemical and Magnetochemical Functional Materials, RMIT University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced battery technologies research

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,470