Lithium-Air Batteries A Step Closer
Posted January 12
To date there's been quite a lot of research into lithium-air batteries but a safe and reliable product has yet to be found. IBM researchers say they are a step closer however through the use of a revolutionary electrolyte.Lithium-air batteries exist and can hold up to 5 times the energy of their lithium-ion counterparts, however they are prone to catching fire and cannot be recharged. This makes them currently useless for cars.
IBM's researchers identified a problem with current lithium-air batteries whereby oxygen was reacting with the batteries electrolyte. By using a supercomputer to analyse reaction models they have been able to find a more suitable electrolyte, the details of which they are keeping a closely guarded secret.
It is hoped that next generation lithium-air batteries will be more stable and able to accept recharging. If a viable product could be developed it has the potential to end the range problem of electric vehicles.
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