Revolutionary Lithium-air Batteries

Lithium-air Batteries

We cannot move around in our markets or from town to town without vehicles. For those who own a vehicle, it is important to keep in mind the fuel economy of their car. With every passing day, prices of fuel i.e. petrol, diesel and gas are increasing, hence making the survival of common man more and more difficult. Keeping this in mind, vehicle manufacturing companies are opting for Electric Cars! As the name suggests, these cars run on electrically charged batteries. Usually the batteries used in such cars are li-ion polymer, lithium ion, zinc-air etc. now, a little number of companies are going for a new kind of battery for vehicles that will be light in weight and very small in size, called Lithium-air batteries. These batteries will change the whole concept of E-cars with their little weight.

Concept and Working:

In this kind of battery, lithium anodes join with the oxygen present in the atmosphere via an air cathode. This is a risky kind of batteries as it is highly inflammable. On the other hand, the significance of these batteries cannot be denied. Due to having low weight and mass, these batteries will be highly attractive for hybrid and Electric cars.

This research is being carried out by IBM Research. This is strange to hear IBM’s name in battery making, but it IS happening. According to a hypothesis, this battery type will store up to ten times of energy as today’s batteries within next five years. After joining with US national labs, this idea will be worked upon. The lithium metal used in these batteries is dangerous in a way as it is highly inflammable, but on the other hand it is energy dense hence providing much more space for extra energy storage. This battery will be light in weight, rechargeable and significantly powerful.

It is said to be able of storing about 5000 watt-hours per kg. This makes them ten times better than today’s best lithium ion batteries. As there is no other component put inside the cell and the second component is atmospheric oxygen, the batteries have to be lightweight.

The officials have stated that one of their aims is to provide a 500 miles lightweight battery that is enough for a family car. This will be a true revolution in the history of electric and hybrid cars. Fingers crossed, all of us are waiting for this awesome invention to materialize before our eyes.

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Tags: electrically charged batteries, Lithium-air batteries