Studies on Energy Cells Based on Si-, Si-Ge- and Ge-Air Systems

Abstract

Silicon metal may be used as a fuel in Si-Air fuel cells. The most important characteristics of theseenergy cells is its thermodynamic reversibility. The Silicon-air energy cell is highly promising for electric vehicles due to its high theoretical energy density (8470 Wh kg-1) and its discharge products are non-toxic. For the first time, pure silicon and germanium powders are used as anode material. Nickel wire mesh embedded with charcoal and manganese dioxide powder as cathode and concentrated potassium hydroxide is used as electrolyte. Voltage-time curves have been presented in this study for pure silicon and germanium powder, and 5% and 10% germanium with silicon powder.