Researchers at TU Wien have developed an innovative oxygen-ion battery that offers significant advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, particularly in durability and safety. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which can be prone to fire hazards and diminish in storage capacity over time, the oxygen-ion battery maintains its performance through a regenerative process that allows oxygen ions to migrate back and forth, ensuring a prolonged lifespan. This new battery technology eliminates the reliance on rare elements, using non-combustible ceramic materials instead, which are adaptable and can be produced sustainably. Although it has a lower energy density—about one-third that of lithium-ion batteries—and operates at elevated temperatures (200-400 °C), the oxygen-ion battery is well-suited for large-scale energy storage applications, such as storing renewable energy from solar and wind sources. The research team, including Alexander Schmid and Prof. Jürgen Fleig, has already filed a patent and emphasized the potential of this battery in constructing energy storage modules for buildings. This project highlights a promising step towards safer, more sustainable energy storage solutions that could redefine current battery technology frameworks.
