Norwegian Firm Develops Cheaper, Longer-Lasting Rechargeable Battery

October 31, 2009 12:49 p.m. EST

Oslo, Norway (AHN) - A new rechargeable battery that is cheaper, longer-lasting and safer than lithium-ion batteries has been developed by a Norwegian firm and a Swiss company is starting to market it.

Called zinc-air battery, it has bigger energy storage capacity or two-thirds more than what a lithium-ion battery stores. The battery developed by SINTEF works by harnessing room air to interact with the electrolyte and a zinc electrode inside the battery. The air electrode is discharged with the help of catalysts producing hydroxyl ions in the aqueous electrode. The zinc electrode then gets oxidized and releases electrons to form an electric current.

The ReVolt company is producing the zinc-air battery to initially power hearing aids. Larger versions for mobile phones and electric cars will be produced later.