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A new electrolyte for zinc-based batteries that raises their efficiency to nearly 100% has been developed by scientists at Oregon State University.

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The breakthrough brings us one step closer to alternative battery chemistries for large-scale energy storage.

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The aim of the research is to find cheaper and safer battery options for storing renewable energy on the electric grid.

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A safer and more abundant alternative to lithium-ion batteries for grid energy storage is offered by zinc batteries.

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The reliance of lithium-ion batteries tends to be on scarce and toxic metals like cobalt and nickel, which are harmful to the environment and water sources.

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Zinc is a safe and abundant metal, making it a promising candidate for large-scale energy storage.

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With zinc chloride being the primary one, the new electrolyte formula is made of a dissolved mixture of inexpensive chloride salts.

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Making it non-inflammable, cost-effective, and of low environmental impact, the formula uses water and an ordinary battery solvent.

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Preventing energy loss and generating dangerous hydrogen gas, the electrolyte forms a protective coating on the zinc component of the battery.

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99.95% of the energy it is charged with on each cycle is released by the new zinc battery, making it highly efficient.

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