World’s first aluminum-graphite system promises lithium-free storage

A team of German researchers has developed the world’s first full aluminum-graphite-dual-ion battery (AGDIB) system, marking a significant advancement in lithium-free energy storage technology. Unlike many lithium-free chemistries that remain at lab-scale, this demonstrator proves manufacturability, stability, and durability in a practical, integrated battery module. Designed for high-power applications such as dynamic grid stabilization, the AGDIB system leverages abundant, low-cost materials—aluminum and graphite—and supports rapid charge-discharge cycles up to 10C without degradation. This makes it especially suitable for grid services requiring fast response times rather than high energy density. The prototype integrates eight pouch cells with a wireless battery management system based on Fraunhofer IISB’s open-source foxBMS® platform, featuring secure radio-frequency communication and a diamond-based quantum sensor capable of precisely measuring currents across five orders of magnitude. The module follows a design-for-recycling philosophy, employing physical separation methods that avoid toxic chemicals