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

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.