With industry and government support, researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) are closer to revolutionising the energy storage sector by creating a new rechargeable proton battery that focuses on sustainability and efficiency.

The project's core focus is on the creation of superior materials and a functional prototype of a new rechargeable battery that utilises protons instead of lithium. This proton battery has the potential to store and release energy at an unprecedented speed, positioning it as a formidable contender for future energy needs.

The ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions (ICEDS) assisted Professor Zongyou Yin, A/Prof Alexey Glushenkov from the ANU Research School of Chemistry and Professor Yuerui Lu (Larry) from the School of Engineering in setting up the collaborative project and obtaining industry support.

ICEDS Research and Business Development Manager (Energy), Dr Igor Skryabin highlights the facilitation role that ICEDS has played in this achievement:

“This project represents a collaborative effort between the ANU Research Schools of Chemistry and Engineering, with continued support from ICEDS to advance multidisciplinary research focused on Energy, Climate, and Disaster solutions. We extend our gratitude to Global Power Generation Australia (GPG) and Globird Energy for their generous support of innovative projects at ANU in the field of the Hydrogen Economy.”

Under the leadership of Professor Zongyou, a team of academics has secured a substantial Australian Research Council (ARC) grant of $292,500 to develop the innovative Proton Battery. This financial support, combined with contributions from ANU and industry partners such as GPG and Globird Energy, has elevated the project's total value to over $ 700,000, underscoring the widespread recognition and support for this research endeavour.

Speaking on their support of the project, Gema Deus Vasquez from GPG Australia said: "As a committed supporter of energy research, Global Power Generation Australia is proud to reaffirm its dedication as an ANU industry partner, working to advance innovations that will help meet Australia's future energy needs."

Shane Rattenbury, ACT Government Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability said: “This project demonstrates how the ACT Government’s renewables reverse auctions have not only secured our 100% renewable electricity supply but also attracted investment in our local clean energy economy.

Innovations in energy storage technologies, such as the ANU’s proton battery project, are crucial for our success as work to electrify our city and phase out fossil fuels by 2045. This project demonstrates the energy transition research and development excellence which will be vital in helping to scale up energy storage capacity.

I look forward to seeing the proton battery prototype in action in future.”

Professor Zongyou said: "This project represents a significant step towards more sustainable and efficient energy storage solutions. By developing proton batteries, we are exploring new frontiers in renewable energy that could profoundly impact our future."

“Proton batteries have several advantages compared with traditional lithium-ion batteries. Proton batteries are getting protons from water – an abundant and readily available resource. Proton batteries are expected to have higher energy density and higher charging/discharging rate capability, as protons have smaller size, lower weight and can move much faster than lithium ions.” Professor Yuerui (Larry) Lu said.

Professor Yuerui (Larry) Lu and Professor Zongyou Yin in front of the ANU School of Engineering. Photo: Christian Gomez/ANU