Sign In
Learn bits
Science & Tech.
Pradeep Kumar

25/06/21 11:05 AM IST

Cost-effective catalysts for metal-air battery

In news
  • International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), has developed the cost-effective electrocatalyst by anchoring transition metal ions into the sulfur-doped carbon framework via carbonization of a polymer called sPEEK (sulphonated polyether ether ketone).
Details
  • A new non-precious metal-based bi-functional electrocatalyst (capable of catalyzing two different types of reactions) can decrease cost and increase the efficiency of metal air batteries.
  • With the rise in demand for different energy sources, worldwide efforts are being made to develop different kinds of energy devices, such as lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, redox flow batteries, lithium-air batteries, zinc-air batteries, etc. sodium-ion batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors.
  • Among them, Zn-air batteries have drawn significant attention due to their low cost and high energy density. 
About the technology
  • This catalyst synthesis method can also be used to recycle used ionomers (polymer composed of both neutral repeating units and ionized units).
  • The scientists have used an ion-exchange strategy that positions the metal ions in the carbon framework homogeneously, limits the particle size and offers control on composition and size at a very low loading of transition metal.
  • Cost-effectiveness is thus achieved by low loading of transition metal, high activity, and high cycling stability compared to many of the catalysts earlier reported in the literature.
  • The catalyst also leads to reduced voltage polarization, enabling higher energy efficiency and a stable charge-discharge characteristic.
  • The results obtained were comparable to that of conventionally used noble metal-based catalysts with metal loading of 20% or higher.
Source: PIB

More Related Current Affairs View All

14 Aug

ABC of Sterilisation

'The Supreme Court has directed Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad authorities to urgently round up and shift stray dogs to shelters, stressing the need to protect children from

Read More

14 Aug

Post and pre-matric scholarships

'The  Union government is considering revising the parental income limit for eligibility in availing post and pre-matric scholarships administered to students from marginalise

Read More

13 Aug

Working of satellite internet

'Satellite internet is revolutionizing how we connect, extending high-speed access to virtually every corner of the globe, regardless of location.' Imagine getting online from t

Read More

India’s First Ai-Driven Magazine Generator

Generate Your Custom Current Affairs Magazine using our AI in just 3 steps