First Successful Development of High Performance Reversible Electrode Catalyst for Next-Generation Metal-Air Secondary Batteries

2013.07.24
(2013.08.29 Update)


Hokkaido University
National Institute for Materials Science

A research group consisting of members from Hokkaido University, NIMS, and others succeeded in developing a novel layered oxide as an air electrode catalyst for metal-air secondary batteries, which are a promising candidate for next-generation secondary batteries.

Abstract

A research group under Associate Professor Tatsuya Takeguchi of the Catalyst Research Center, Hokkaido University, succeeded in developing a novel layered oxide as an air electrode catalyst for air-metal secondary batteries, which are considered a promising candidate for next-generation secondary batteries (batteries which can be used repeatedly by recharging). Charging and discharging efficiency was improved dramatically by realizing a reversible air electrode, which had not been possible with the conventional technology. The new layered oxide was analyzed by X-ray Adsorption Fine Structure (XAFS) measurement at Japan's Large-Scale Synchrotron Radiation Facility SPring-8. It was found that the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) occur easily in this new oxide, and this plays a key role in improving the activity of the air electrode. As the catalyst is an oxide, it is not necessary to use platinum or other noble metals, contributing to both cost reduction and conservation of precious metal resources. Based on the features described above, the developed catalyst is expected to make important contributions to the practical application of next-generation secondary batteries, which are an indispensable technology for utilizing natural energy, and to solving environmental problems.

"Figure: Structure of a metal-air battery and the developed air electrode catalyst." Image

Figure: Structure of a metal-air battery and the developed air electrode catalyst.



Contact

For more detail

Associate Professor Tatsuya Takeguchi
Catalyst Research Center, Hokkaido University
TEL: +81-11-706-9142
FAX: +81-11-706-9163
E-Mail: takeguch=cat.hokudai.ac.jp
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Kohei Uosaki
Fellows, NIMS
TEL:+81-29-860-4301
FAX:+81-29-860-4706
E-Mail: UOSAKI.Kohei=nims.go.jp
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For general inquiry

Public Relations Division, Hokkaido University
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FAX: +81-11-706-4870
Public Relations Office, NIMS
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FAX: +81-29-859-2017