Silver-Zinc Batteries
While lithium-ion batteries are overwhelmingly popular at the moment, this technology raises concerns over longevity, safety (combustability), and the environment. Silver-zinc (also called silver-oxide) batteries solve the safety and environmental problems while increasing longevity by up to 40%. Additionally, silver-zinc batteries run much cooler than lithium-ion batteries, reducing the need for costly thermal management solutions. Current analysts predict that silver-zinc batteries will begin taking market share from lithium-ion batteries by 2012.
Cost is limiting commercialization
Cost is the factor that, in the past, has prevented silver-zinc batteries from capturing greater market share. Currently, they are most frequently used where energy density requirements outweigh the higher cost, such as cutting-edge US military and scientific projects (e.g., the Apollo space program), where high performance is required. The design of these batteries calls for silver-oxide (Ag2O) on the cathode and pure zinc on the anode.
Silver nanomaterials reduce cost
Blue Nano’s silver nanowires can potentially improve silver-zinc battery performance and simultaneously reduce the silver material dosage and costs. Based on preliminary results, for constant conductivity, one gram of silver nanowires can replace 14.2 grams of fine silver powder. Blue Nano's silver nanowires can also potentially increase electrical performance by 50%.
Interested in more information? Please contact us.
