What is a super-iron battery?

We report a new class of batteries, referred to as super-iron batteries, which contain a cathode that uses a common material (Fe) but in an unusual (greater than 3) valence state. Although they contain the same Zn anode and electrolyte as conventional alkaline batteries, the super-iron batteries provide >50% more energy capacity.

Are super-iron batteries better than conventional alkaline batteries?

Super-iron batteries have a 50 percent energy advantage compared to conventional alkaline batteries. A cell with an iron (VI) cathode and a metal hydride anode is significantly (75 percent) rechargeable. Higher capacity batteries based on an unusual stabilized iron (VI) chemistry are presented.

What is a super iron cathode?

Iron (VI/III) cathodes can use low-solubility K 2 FeO 4 and BaFeO 4 salts with respective capacities of 406 and 313 milliampere-hours per gram. Super-iron batteries have a 50 percent energy advantage compared to conventional alkaline batteries. A cell with an iron (VI) cathode and a metal hydride anode is significantly (75 percent) rechargeable.

Which batteries are most important for electric cars?

Of growing importance are rechargeable (secondary) batteries such as metal hydride (MH) batteries (5), which this year have increased the commercial electric car range to 250 km per charge. In consumer electronics, primary, rather than secondary, batteries dominate.

How are super-iron cells prepared?

Super-iron cells were prepared by opening alkaline button cells and replacing the cathode with 31 mA·hours of either (i) 90% (76.3 mg) K 2 FeO 4, 10% (9 mg) graphite, and 12 mg concentrated KOH, or (ii) 90% (106 mg) BaFeO 4, 10% (12 mg) graphite, and 30 mg concentrated KOH.