Development of the Metal-Air Battery System

摘要

Performance characteristics of metal-oxygen couples were determined over the range of +125 to -25F. Evaluation tests were conducted on oxygen electrodes to determine the voltage characteristics over the current density range of 16-800 ma/sq in. Both the silver- and platinum-catalyzed cathodes performed well, with the latter giving about 0.1 volt lower polarization than the former at equivalent current densities. Using the best silver and platinum air electrodes, Al/02, Ba/02, Ca/02, Mg/02, and Zn/02 cell systems were examined. For the first four anode metals, most of the investigation was of an exploratory nature. This consisted of a search for electrolytes compatible with both the anode and the cathode. Experimentation with the zinc-oxygen couple in an alkaline electrolyte gave the most favorable results. Flat voltage discharge curves were obtained at rates up to the 2C, (800 ma/sq in), at room temperature. An air flow study has been initiated to establish the optimum spacing and venting of adjacent cells. At the 2C rate with a 100 mil. spacing, the free convection of air, resulting from temperature change within the cell, was sufficient to provide the required amount of oxygen to the cathode. (Author)