Two decades ago battery usage was relatively low with most electronic devices in the home simply requiring dry cells to function. Now the use of rechargeable batteries is increasing because they are used in smartphones, computers, tablets, and even electric cars. The issue that already exists now is pollution due to mining but the dumping of used batteries which is toxic to the environment.
Scientists from Australia's Flinders University and Zhejiang Sci-Tech University in China have succeeded in producing the first battery that is said to be non-toxic. The aluminum-ion battery developed uses the substance 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl-1-oxy, or as it is nicknamed TEMPO to make it more difficult to burn. The electrolyte is water-based instead of the toxic chemicals used today.
Meanwhile, the use of Al3+, Zn2+, and Mg2+ elements will provide higher energy capacity than Li-ion batteries. It does not use cadmium, lead and mercury sources which are difficult to recycle because they are toxic to humans.
The developed battery prototype with a capacity of 110 mAh can offer a voltage of 1.25 V for up to 800 charging cycles. Although non-toxic, this battery still has the disadvantage that it cannot offer a high voltage. For now it is still not the best alternative to Li-ion batteries.