China has developed a fully eco‑saving battery in which the electrolyte is even suitable for pickling cucumbers

New “green” battery type from Chinese scientists

Chinese researchers have introduced a fully safe and environmentally friendly lithium‑ion battery that uses a neutral aqueous electrolyte. Unlike the usual acidic or alkaline solutions, this system employs a pH = 7.0 solution of MgCl₂ or CaCl₂—similar to nigari brine, which is traditionally used as a coagulant in tofu production and even for pickled vegetables.

Why it matters

Traditional lithium‑ion batteries contain toxic and flammable electrolytes. A water-based system makes them safe for both users and the environment. Interestingly, the earliest ideas about aqueous batteries date back 226 years to the work of Alessandro Volta, and returning to these roots helps reimagine modern technologies.

Eco-friendly disposal

For full environmental friendliness, the authors also developed an anode made from a covalent organic polymer (hexaketone‑tetraaminodibenzo‑p‑dioxin), specifically synthesized to store Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ in a neutral medium. This material provides rapid reaction and high stability, which is important when decomposing spent batteries.

Key performance metrics

* Operating voltage – about 2.2 V
* Specific energy – up to 48.3 Wh/kg (calculated based on the total mass of electrodes and electrolyte)
* Longevity – over 120,000 charge‑discharge cycles at a current of 20 A/g with minimal capacity loss

Team and publication

The work was carried out by an international group from:

- City University of Hong Kong
- Southern University of Science and Technology
- Yanan University
- Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory

The paper was published on February 18, 2026 in *Nature Communications*. The authors claim that their system surpasses existing aqueous batteries in stability and environmental safety, paving the way for truly “green” energy storage.