Scientists find a trillion natural 'batteries' on the ocean floor

More than a trillion polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone between Hawaii and Mexico produce oxygen without sunlight, acting as natural geobatteries. The nodules contain manganese, cobalt, copper and zinc used in EV batteries.

• Over a trillion potato-sized nodules lie about 4,000 m deep
• The nodules split seawater into oxygen and hydrogen like electrolysis
• They hold manganese, iron, zinc, cobalt and copper for batteries
• Researchers will return to study the mechanism and mining risks