CSIR’s Development of Durable Metal-Air Batteries – UPSC Notes
About Metal-Air Batteries
- Overview:
- Metal-air batteries use metals as the anode and oxygen from the air as the cathode, producing electricity.
- Recent development by CSIR: A zinc-air battery device designed for extreme cold conditions, featuring an efficient cathode catalyst and an anti-freezing electrolyte.
Materials and Composition
- Anode Metals:
- Include lighter metals such as lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, and iron.
- Cathode:
- Utilizes oxygen from the air.
Types of Metal-Air Batteries
- Lithium-Air Batteries (Li-Air)
- Advantages: High energy density, lightweight.
- Challenges: Unstable, sensitive to moisture.
- Zinc-Air Batteries (Zn-Air)
- Advantages: High energy density, cost-effective, safe.
- Challenges: Recharging difficulties, dendrite formation.
- Aluminum-Air Batteries (Al-Air)
- Advantages: High energy density, abundant aluminum resource.
- Challenges: Corrosion, hydrogen gas production.
Advantages of Metal-Air Batteries
- High Energy Density: Can store more energy than traditional lithium-ion batteries, ideal for long-range electric vehicle (EV) trips.
- Lightweight: Utilize oxygen from the air, significantly reducing battery weight.
- Cost-Effective: Use inexpensive and widely available metals like zinc and aluminum.
Disadvantages
- Electrode Stability: Risk of metal dendrite formation leading to short circuits.
- Air Electrode Catalysis: Need for efficient and cost-effective catalysts for oxygen reactions.
- Sensitivity to Moisture and CO2: Performance can degrade due to water and carbon dioxide exposure.
Applications
- Electric Vehicles (EVs):
- Can extend driving range, offering a viable alternative to traditional batteries.
- Grid Energy Storage:
- Ideal for storing energy generated from renewable sources like solar and wind.
- Portable Electronics:
- Their lightweight and powerful nature enhances the functionality of portable devices.
Significance
- The CSIR-developed zinc-air battery is particularly beneficial for defense forces operating in remote sub-zero conditions, such as the Himalayas, due to its durability and efficiency in extreme environments.
