Having a definite edge over traditional Lithium-ion batteries, ReVolt Technology’s zinc-air rechargeable batteries claim to be 300% more energy efficient than the former. The battery design, developed at SINTEF, a research institute in Trondheim, Norway, seeks to find an inclusion into hearing aids while the larger version could power cellphone and electric vehicles in no time. The batteries are supposed to be cheaper than the Li-ion’s.
James McDougall, the company’s CEO, hopes that the ReVolt zinc-air rechargeable batteries will not stop working after relatively few charges. This is made possible by the unique mechanism these batteries employ. The battery comes with a cover that lets in air, oxygen rather. Next, there is a porous air electrode with a water-based electrolyte to discourage hydroxyl ions from forming. Finally, a zinc electrode oxidizes zinc and releases electrons to generate a current. When it recharges, the zinc oxide flows back via the air electrode and zinc is formed with the release of oxygen.
Via: Technology Review