Methane-assisted metal ion battery

A method of assembling a methane-assisted metal ion battery, the method comprising:

• electrically coupling a positive electrode with a negative electrode, wherein the positive electrode comprises a compound of a metal, and wherein the negative electrode comprises an electrocatalyst and is configured to:
• reduce atmospheric methane to generate carbon nanoparticles and hydrogen molecules (H2) when the battery is charging, wherein the carbon nanoparticles are configured to capture atmospheric methane;
• and
• oxidize hydrogen molecules (H2) to generate hydrogen ions (H+) and free electrons when the battery is discharging;
• disposing the positive electrode and the negative electrode in contact with an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt of the metal in aqueous state;
• and
• positioning a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery,
• wherein the separator comprises a permeable membrane.

A composition for a negative electrode of a metal ion battery, the composition comprising:

• an electrocatalyst configured to:
• accelerate reduction of atmospheric methane to generate carbon nanoparticles and hydrogen molecules (H2) when the battery is charging, wherein the carbon nanoparticles are configured to capture atmospheric methane;
• and
• accelerate oxidation of hydrogen molecules (H2) to generate hydrogen ions (H+) and free electrons when the battery is discharging, wherein the hydrogen ions (H+) and free electrons are released into the electrolyte.