Japanese team develops solid rechargeable air battery

Metals are typically used as active materials for negative electrodes in batteries but redox-active organic molecules, including quinone- and amine-based molecules, have been used as negative electrodes in rechargeable metal–air batteries with oxygen-reducing positive electrodes. Here, protons and hydroxide ions participate in the redox reactions.

These batteries exhibit high performance close to the maximum capacity that is theoretically possible. Furthermore, using redox-active organic molecules in rechargeable air batteries overcomes problems associated with metals, including the formation of dendrites. These batteries use liquid electrolytes - like metal-based batteries – that pose safety concerns.

Now, in a new study published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition Japanese researchers have developed an all-solid-state rechargeable air battery (SSAB) and investigated its capacity and durability. The study was led by Professor Kenji Miyatake from Waseda University and the University of Yamanashi, and co-authored by Professor Kenichi Oyaizu from Waseda University.

The researchers chose 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DHBQ) and its polymer poly(2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone-3,6-methylene) (PDBM) as active materials for the negative electrode due to their stable and reversible redox reactions in acidic conditions. In addition, they utilised Nafion, a proton-conductive polymer, as the solid electrolyte.