With growing global electrification and rising impacts of greenhouse gasses, the demand for renewable energy rises. Inconsistent producers of energy (solar & wind) require improved energy storage. By using gallium, a nontoxic liquid metal at room temperature, we found a theoretical energy density 11 times commercial Li-ion, and kinetic performance superior to Zn-air batteries. Using cyclic voltammetry and testing of a prototype cell we reviled the reaction mechanism, proved the reversibility of gallium, and demonstrated rechargeability. We found improved rechargeability when adding 0.1M gallium oxide to 6M KOH electrolyte. However, short discharge times indicate limiting factors such as electrolyte drying still need to be addressed before commercial application.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Athair, Ari Stone
• Arnold, Tristan Franklin

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-051520-121056

Advisor

• Datta, Ravindra
• Rao, Pratap M.
• Teixeira, Andrew R

Year

• 2020

Date created

• 2020-05-15

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Última modificación

• 2020-12-31