A research team led by Prof. CHEN Wei at University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has introduced a new chemical battery system which utilizes hydrogen gas as the anode. The study was published in the Angewandte Chemie International Edition.
Hydrogen (H2) has gained attention as a stable and cost-effective renewable energy carrier due to its favorable electrochemical properties. However, traditional hydrogen-based batteries primarily utilize H2 as a cathode, which restricts their voltage range to 0.8–1.4 V and limits their overall energy storage capacity. To overcome the limitation, the research team proposed a novel approach: utilizing H2 as the anode to significantly enhance energy density and working voltage. When paired with lithium metal as the anode, the battery exhibited exceptional electrochemical performance.
Schematic of the Li−H battery. (Image by USTC)
The researchers designed a prototype Li-H battery system, incorporating a lithium metal anode, a platinum-coated gas diffusion layer serving as the hydrogen cathode, and a solid electrolyte (Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3, or LATP). This configuration allows efficient lithium ion transport while minimizing undesired chemical interactions. Through testing, the Li-H battery demonstrated a theoretical energy density of 2825 Wh/kg, maintaining a steady voltage of around 3V. Additionally, it achieved a remarkable round-trip efficiency (RTE) of 99.7%, indicating minimal energy loss during charging and discharging cycles, while maintaining long-term stability.
To further improve cost-efficiency, safety and manufacturing simplicity, the team developed an anode-free Li-H battery that eliminates the need for pre-installed lithium metal. Instead, the battery deposits lithium from lithium salts (LiH2PO4 and LiOH) in the electrolyte during charging. The version retains the advantages of the standard Li-H battery while introducing additional benefits. It enables efficient lithium plating and stripping with a Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 98.5%. Moreover, it operates stably even at low hydrogen concentrations, reducing reliance on high-pressure H₂ storage. Computational modeling, such as Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations, were performed to understand how lithium and hydrogen ions move within the battery’ s electrolyte.
This breakthrough in Li-H battery technology presents new opportunities for advanced energy storage solutions, with potential applications spanning renewable energy grids, electric vehicles, and even aerospace technology. Compared to conventional nickel-hydrogen batteries, the Li-H system delivers enhanced energy density and efficiency, making it a strong candidate for next-generation power storage. The anode-free version lays the foundation for more cost-effective and scalable hydrogen-based batteries.
Paper Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202419663
(Written by ZHENG Zihong, Edited by WU Yuyang, USTC News Center)
