Scientists develop next-gen zinc-iodine batteries with 60,000+ cycles that charge in 3 minutes and they won't catch fire either

Date:
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:09:54 +0000

Description:
Progress is being made in developing sustainable, fast-charging, long-lasting zinc-iodine batteries.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Another next-gen battery
upgrade has been reported Zinc-iodine batteries are now more stable The tech promises a more sustainable lithium-ion replacement Lithium-ion batteries had a good run, but the next generation of battery technologies are rapidly approaching for consumer devices and large-scale industry use. One of the leading candidates to become the new default are aqueous zinc-iodine
batteries (AZIBs).

Researchers from Flinders University in Australia have published details of the latest steps forward in zinc-iodine technology. Prototype battery
elements based on these materials can now manage more than 60,000 recharge
and discharge cycles, with recharges in just three minutes though that's for a small battery compartment, in a lab, not a full battery. As they're aqueous (water-based), the batteries don't come with the same risk of explosion and fire as standard lithium-ion batteries do. However, there are challenges to overcome: these batteries tend to deteriorate as they're used because of the chemical reactions happening inside, which isn't ideal for something powering your next tablet. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

In their latest paper, the researchers outline a molecular cage that's strong enough to prevent the battery's iodine from escaping, but not too restrictive that it prevents the necessary chemical reactions from working. It means batteries that are more stable in operation and which last longer. A viable alternative Scientists have figured out how to restrict the iodine to stop battery degradation (Image credit: (Jiang et al., Angewandte Chemie, 2026)) The tech specs shared by the researchers indicate the fast-charging,
long-life potential of AZIBs. In addition to those benefits and the reduced fire risk, they could also be easier to resource and manufacture reducing
the pressure on lithium-ion materials. You may like The water-based battery that could turn whole data centers into energy storage This lithium-ion breakthrough could solve a global battery issue GM is getting in on the data center game - by making batteries

There are a couple of caveats to bear in mind. The researchers acknowledge that this technology is best suited to "large-scale energy storage", at least to begin with, so we're talking more about storing the electricity generated by a solar plant than something you can slot into the back of a smartphone

The technology still has a long way to go before you'll see it appear, as encouraging as these recent steps forward are. The researchers aren't yet at the stage of building fully working, full-size prototype batteries yet although each of these upgrades to the battery science gets us closer to that point. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

"Rechargeable aqueous zinc-iodine batteries are shaping up as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage and our group is now working with industry to establish a prototyping platform for this battery system," said chemistry professor Zhongfan Jia , from Flinders University. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. The best laptops for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/home/energy-saving/scientists-develop-next-gen-zinc- iodine-batteries-with-60-000-cycles-that-charge-in-3-minutes-and-they-wont-cat ch-fire-either


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