6 Application of Oxygen Reduction Catalysts
227
Table 6.3 Theoretical energy
density and potential
characteristics of various
metal-air batteries [37, 38]
Battery
Theoretical potential
(V)
Theoretical energy
density (Wh/kg)
Lithium-air
3.44
11,140
Aluminum-Air
2.71
8036
Magnesium-air 3.09
6812
Sodium-air
2.3
1600
Zinc-air
1.65
1350
Iron-air
1.28
1226
Cadmium-air
1.21
575
Lead-air
1.59
410
6.2.2 Classification of Metal-Air Batteries
There are many classification methods for metal-air batteries. According to the types
of negative metal of the battery [38, 39], metal-air battery can be divided into lithiumair battery, sodium-air battery, magnesium-air battery, aluminum-air battery, zinc-air
battery, iron-air battery, etc. According to the characteristics of battery electrolyte,
it can be divided into aqueous, nonaqueous and aqueous–nonaqueous mixed electrolyte metal-air batteries. According to whether the battery is rechargeable, the
metal-air battery can be divided into primary battery, secondary battery and mechanical rechargeable battery. The ideal primary metal-air battery should have the characteristics of large battery capacity, low price, long storage life, light weight, small size
and portability. The ideal secondary metal-air battery should have the characteristics
of good reversibility of electrode reaction (especially air electrode), low volatility
of electrolyte and stable charging and discharging process. The ideal mechanical
rechargeable battery should have the characteristics of large capacity, rapid replacement of negative electrode, and the electrolyte can be supplemented only by adding
water. The discharged products of the battery can be sent to the central processing
station for chemical or electrochemical reduction, and can be regenerated at low cost
for repeated use.
Among several classification methods, the most common is the classification
method according to different types of battery negative metal. Different kinds of
metal-air batteries can be used for navigation marks, mine lighting, underwater power
propulsion devices, electric vehicles, etc. depending on their discharge performance.
Among them, metal-air power batteries for electric vehicles are one of the current
research hotspots. Among several metal-air batteries, lithium-air, aluminum-air and
zinc-air batteries are the most widely studied, among which aluminum-air batteries
are the most promising commercial metal-air power batteries due to their low cost,
use of aqueous electrolyte and relatively mature technology. The lithium-air battery
is the metal-air battery with the most in-depth basic research under the promotion of
the research on lithium ion battery and fuel cell.
227
Table 6.3 Theoretical energy
density and potential
characteristics of various
metal-air batteries [37, 38]
Battery
Theoretical potential
(V)
Theoretical energy
density (Wh/kg)
Lithium-air
3.44
11,140
Aluminum-Air
2.71
8036
Magnesium-air 3.09
6812
Sodium-air
2.3
1600
Zinc-air
1.65
1350
Iron-air
1.28
1226
Cadmium-air
1.21
575
Lead-air
1.59
410
6.2.2 Classification of Metal-Air Batteries
There are many classification methods for metal-air batteries. According to the types
of negative metal of the battery [38, 39], metal-air battery can be divided into lithiumair battery, sodium-air battery, magnesium-air battery, aluminum-air battery, zinc-air
battery, iron-air battery, etc. According to the characteristics of battery electrolyte,
it can be divided into aqueous, nonaqueous and aqueous–nonaqueous mixed electrolyte metal-air batteries. According to whether the battery is rechargeable, the
metal-air battery can be divided into primary battery, secondary battery and mechanical rechargeable battery. The ideal primary metal-air battery should have the characteristics of large battery capacity, low price, long storage life, light weight, small size
and portability. The ideal secondary metal-air battery should have the characteristics
of good reversibility of electrode reaction (especially air electrode), low volatility
of electrolyte and stable charging and discharging process. The ideal mechanical
rechargeable battery should have the characteristics of large capacity, rapid replacement of negative electrode, and the electrolyte can be supplemented only by adding
water. The discharged products of the battery can be sent to the central processing
station for chemical or electrochemical reduction, and can be regenerated at low cost
for repeated use.
Among several classification methods, the most common is the classification
method according to different types of battery negative metal. Different kinds of
metal-air batteries can be used for navigation marks, mine lighting, underwater power
propulsion devices, electric vehicles, etc. depending on their discharge performance.
Among them, metal-air power batteries for electric vehicles are one of the current
research hotspots. Among several metal-air batteries, lithium-air, aluminum-air and
zinc-air batteries are the most widely studied, among which aluminum-air batteries
are the most promising commercial metal-air power batteries due to their low cost,
use of aqueous electrolyte and relatively mature technology. The lithium-air battery
is the metal-air battery with the most in-depth basic research under the promotion of
the research on lithium ion battery and fuel cell.