Metal air batteries

Source: PIB

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Context:

• A newly developed device featuring an efficient and durable cathode catalyst, along with an anti-freezing electrolyte, is designed for zinc-air batteries.
• This innovation can serve as a reliable energy source in remote regions like the Himalayas, where conventional batteries often fail due to extreme cold conditions.

Details:

• In an era of escalating energy demands, efficient energy storage systems are pivotal for harnessing clean, renewable resources.
• Researchers are trying to develop devices with heightened energy density and reduced weight.
• Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries face constraints due to heavy cathode materials like lithium cobalt oxide and lithium iron phosphate with limiting energy density.

About Metal-Air Batteries:

• Metal-air batteries are a new kind of battery that can store a lot of energy. They are especially useful for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy sources. These batteries use oxygen from the air, which helps them be lighter and more efficient.
• Metal-air batteries are exciting new types of batteries that can use lighter metals like lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, and iron instead of heavy materials.
  • • They work by using oxygen from the air to help produce energy, which can make them much more powerful.
• These batteries are important for finding better energy solutions that are good for the environment.
• Methods like splitting water, fuel cells, and metal-air batteries can provide energy with a low carbon footprint, meaning they are cleaner and cause less pollution.

How Metal-Air Batteries Work

• Metal-air batteries work by using a metal (like lithium, zinc, or aluminum) as the anode and oxygen from the air as the cathode. When these two parts react, they produce electricity.

1. Lithium-Air Batteries (Li-Air):
   • • They have a high energy density and are lightweight.
     • However, lithium can be unstable and sensitive to moisture, which makes them tricky to use.
2. Zinc-Air Batteries (Zn-Air):
   • • Made from zinc, which is common and cheap, these batteries are safe to use and have a higher energy density than regular batteries.
     • They can have issues with recharging and forming dendrites (tiny growths that can cause problems).
3. Aluminum-Air Batteries (Al-Air):
   • • These batteries have high energy density and use aluminum, which is abundant and environmentally friendly.
     • They can have corrosion issues and produce hydrogen gas, which needs careful handling.

Advantages of Metal-Air Batteries

• High Energy Density: They can store much more energy than regular lithium-ion batteries, making them perfect for long trips in electric vehicles.
• Lightweight: Since they use oxygen from the air, they don’t need heavy materials, making them lighter.
• Cost-Effective: Metals like zinc and aluminum are cheap and easy to find, which can lower production costs.

Challenges and Research Focus

Even though metal-air batteries are promising, they face some challenges:

• Electrode Stability: The metal can form dendrites, which can short-circuit the battery and make it last shorter.
• Air Electrode Catalysis: To work well, the battery needs good catalysts that help the oxygen reactions happen efficiently and at a low cost.
• Moisture and CO2 Sensitivity: These batteries can be affected by water and carbon dioxide in the air, which can hurt their performance.

Researchers are working hard to create better electrolytes, improve catalysts, and protect the metal anodes to solve these problems.

Applications of Metal-Air Batteries

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): These batteries can help electric cars go longer distances, making them a good alternative to regular batteries.
• Grid Energy Storage: They are great for storing energy from renewable sources like solar and wind power.
• Portable Electronics: Their lightweight and powerful nature could change how we use portable devices, allowing for longer usage times.

Government Initiatives

• The Government of India has launched a scheme called the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage. This scheme aims to promote the production of advanced batteries, including metal-air technologies. It helps make India self-reliant in battery manufacturing and reduces dependence on imports.

Conclusion

• Metal-air batteries are an exciting development in battery technology. They offer great advantages in energy storage and cost.
• With ongoing research to overcome challenges and government support like the PLI Scheme, metal-air batteries could play an important role in the future of electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2039699#

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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Examine the potential and challenges of metal-air batteries as an alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries in the context of sustainable energy solutions. Highlight their applications, advantages, and the hurdles that need to be overcome for widespread adoption.