Hi All,
These batteries are an electrolyte, aluminum anode (iron, magnesium, and zinc work too) and a cathode of a material porous to air (for the oxygen reaction).
The aluminum must be replaced as it is used up in the reaction. These are very powerful "batteries" (more of a fuel cell actually) w/ 1300 Watt hours/kg. Unfortunately there are a couple problems. Special alloys of aluminum are needed because the anodes immediately gets an oxide coating (nasty gel-like stuff). Hydrogen is also produced if you're not careful w/ the electrolyte...you must put additives in it to cut down the oxide and reduce the hydrogen production.
Basic Reaction: Aluminium/air batteries
This company sells both home power and educational cells:
Products
Have fun!
Tom
These batteries are an electrolyte, aluminum anode (iron, magnesium, and zinc work too) and a cathode of a material porous to air (for the oxygen reaction).
The aluminum must be replaced as it is used up in the reaction. These are very powerful "batteries" (more of a fuel cell actually) w/ 1300 Watt hours/kg. Unfortunately there are a couple problems. Special alloys of aluminum are needed because the anodes immediately gets an oxide coating (nasty gel-like stuff). Hydrogen is also produced if you're not careful w/ the electrolyte...you must put additives in it to cut down the oxide and reduce the hydrogen production.
Basic Reaction: Aluminium/air batteries
This company sells both home power and educational cells:
Products
Have fun!
Tom