Silicate-enhanced iron batteries could transform energy storage for EVs and renewable systems

While renewable energy sources like solar and wind are gaining momentum, storing that energy efficiently is still a hurdle. Traditional lithium-ion batteries are commonly used but depend on materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt—resources that are becoming harder to obtain and more expensive.

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, led by Professor Xiaowei Teng, are shifting the focus to iron, a way more sustainable alternative. Iron is quite abundant, widely recycled, and far cheaper than conventional battery metals. But conventional iron-nickel batteries, dating back to Thomas Edison’s time, have been plagued by low energy efficiency—largely due to the unwanted production of hydrogen gas during the charging process.

Teng’s team recently discovered that adding silicate, a common compound found in glass and cement, to the battery’s electrolyte could eliminate the hydrogen issue. This tweak could pave the way for more efficient iron-based batteries that avoid the sustainability pitfalls of lithium-ion.

Overall, this research has the potential to reshape the future of energy storage. It could serve as an alternative, providing a cleaner and more reliable solution for storing renewable power—particularly for applications like microgrids and individual solar or wind systems. If further optimized, these iron-based batteries could offer a solid large-scale alternative to the current tech used in grid storage.