By Andrea Hargraves 
A team of researchers has developed an oxygen-ion battery that, in addition to being more durable, does not use rare metals, does not pose a fire hazard and is cheaper than lithium batteries.
The new oxygen ion battery promises to replenish itself through air and become more durable
Three researchers Alexander Schmid, Martin Kramer and Jürgen Flieg from the Technical University of Vienna, developed A new type of battery shows great potential for the future of renewable energy.
Starting with solid oxide fuel cells and ceramic materials, the team developed a new oxygen ion battery.
Briefly, oxides are used as mixed conductors capable of adsorbing and releasing oxygen ions (Otwo-) with a double negative charge.
When a voltage is applied, the OtwoIt moves from one ceramic material to another, and may come back to generate an electric current.
The principle of this battery is, in fact, very close to that of lithium-ion batteries, with the advantage of using ceramic in its composition, which is non-flammable, does not require the use of rare metals and has much greater durability than current batteries.
Oxygen ion batteries cannot be used in electric vehicles
Although this type of battery has enormous advantages when compared to lithium batteries, the truth is that its application is very limited.
Since it has a lower density of oxygen ions and requires operation at temperatures between 200 and 400 °C, it eliminates the possibility of its use in electric vehicles and other types of mobile equipment.
However, it is very useful to use it in the grid, and it can be used to store solar energy or wind energy in buildings. Although it takes up more space, its lifespan is also longer, allowing the user to take advantage of energy storage for a longer period.
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