In a groundbreaking development, researchers have designed a prototype rechargeable battery that functions in saltwater environments, offering a promising new energy source for oceanic and sea-based applications. This innovative saltwater-conductive yarn battery is not only flexible and durable but can also be integrated into fabrics or nets, providing power to marine devices such as safety equipment, fishing nets, and life vests.
Traditional batteries are highly sensitive to water, especially saltwater, due to the potential for damage and malfunction. However, this new design cleverly utilizes seawater as an electrolyte, turning its naturally occurring sodium, chloride, and sulfate ions into a functional energy source. This approach transforms seawater, typically a threat to conventional electronics, into a key component for generating power.
This development builds upon previous work by researchers Yan Qiao, Zhisong Lu, and their team, who first pioneered the concept of using body sweat as an electrolyte in fitness monitors. Building on that success, they turned their focus to saltwater, replacing traditional electrolytes with seawater in a flexible, yarn-like battery design. By using carbon fiber bundles coated with conductive materials, they created a system where the positive electrode (cathode) is made of nickel hexacyanoferrate, while the negative electrode (anode) is composed of polyamide. These electrodes were twisted into yarn-like bundles that allow the battery to function even in challenging, submerged environments.
One of the standout features of this new battery is its flexibility. The electrodes are sealed inside a permeable nonwoven fabric, which protects the internal components while allowing seawater to interact with the electrodes. This design ensures that the battery remains functional even when bent or twisted millions of times—an essential characteristic for devices that need to withstand the harsh conditions of the ocean.
The researchers tested the battery’s resilience in laboratory settings, and the results were promising. The battery retained its charge even after being bent 4,000 times and maintained much of its power after 200 cycles of charging and discharging in seawater. These findings suggest that the battery could be an ideal solution for marine environments, where durability and reliability are crucial.
To demonstrate the battery’s potential, the researchers integrated the yarn-based battery into a fishing net and a rectangular piece of cloth. When the fishing net was charged and submerged in seawater, it successfully powered a 10-LED light panel. Similarly, the fabric, when placed in a sodium sulfate solution, powered a timer for over an hour. These demonstrations open up exciting possibilities for designing marine devices—such as fishing nets with integrated LED lights or life-saving gear—that can operate autonomously in seawater.
This yarn-like battery offers a unique blend of sustainability and versatility, making it possible to power devices even while they’re submerged in the ocean. The flexibility, lightness, and robustness of the battery make it an ideal candidate for powering everything from safety equipment to marine observation systems.
As this technology matures, it has the potential to revolutionize energy usage in marine industries. The ability to create lightweight, flexible, and waterproof power sources could transform the way we power devices in marine environments, from fishing vessels to remote oceanic monitoring systems.
By harnessing the natural resources of seawater and combining them with cutting-edge battery technology, researchers are paving the way for a more sustainable, efficient, and adaptable approach to marine energy. This saltwater-conductive yarn battery could become as ubiquitous and reliable as the oceans themselves, providing a robust energy solution for the future of marine exploration and safety.
By Impact Lab