Aluminum-Air Fuel Cell/Battery Research

Aluminum air system has very high theoretical specific energy, making it far superior to LiSO2 system. Unlike other battery systems and more like fuel cells, aluminum-air cells can be refueled rapidly by replacing the aluminum anode and electrolyte. Such aunique 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 theair cathode. The overall objective of the proposal is to develop the high specific energy aluminum air fuel cell/battery by reducing the aluminum corrosion rate in the alkaline electrolyte, increasing the electrolyte capacity, by using eVionyx' highperformance air cathode. Several unique approaches, including special aluminum alloys in combination with self assembling chemicals, electrolyte additives and heat removing scheme, have been proposed by eVionyx, The preliminary results are very promising:hydrogen evolution has been reduced to an unprecedented level for the aluminum anode. We expect that an aluminum air system with specific energy greater than 500 Wh/kg can be achieved after the Phase I program. Initial applications aside from militaryapplications include: remote site backup power systems, home emergency power, and electric vehicles/scooter power.