ALUMINUM AIR FUEL CELL/BATTERY WITH HIGH SPECIFIC ENERGY

Aluminum air system has very high theoretical specific energy, far superior to LiSO2 systems. Unlike other battery systems and more like fuel cells, aluminum-air cells can be refueled rapidly by replacing the aluminum anode and electrolyte. Such a unique feature makes the system more attractive in terms of specific energy. In order to harvest the energy, one has to overcome the problem of aluminum self-corrosion, inefficiency of electrolyte utilization, and high polarization over potential for the air cathode. In the Phase I program, eVionyx has made significant progress in the alloy and electrolyte formulation. An aluminum air system with a specific energy of more than 500 Wh/kg was demonstrated. Several days of activation life was also proven to be feasible. The objectives of this Phase II program are 1) to continue the investigation into the anode and electrolyte formulation in order to further increase the overall system specific energy, as well as the activation life, 2) to develop, fabricate and test the prototype with BA5590 form factor, which are capable of rapid recharging via anode and electrolyte replacement. By the end of this program, we expect to deliver the prototype, which has a specific energy of more than 750 Wh/kg.