RECHARGEABLE AND REFUELABLE METAL AIR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL

摘要

A refuelable and rechargeable metal air electrochemical cell includes a removable and rechargeable metal fuel anode, and air cathode, a third electrode, and a separator in ionic communication with at least a poriton of a major surface of the anode. A refueable and rechargeable metal air electrochemical cell includes a discharging cell and a recharging cell. The discharging cell includes an air cathode structure adapted to receive a removable and rechargeable metal fuel anode that, when inserted in the air cathode structure, produces electrical energy during the process of electrochemical conversion of the metal fuel into a metal oxide. The recharging cell includes a charging electrode structure adapted to receive the removable and rechargeable metal fuel anode generally after such anode has been discharged, or prior to initial usage of the anode for discharging, that, when inserted in the charging electrode structure, converts the metal oxide into metal fuel upon application of electrical energy. Furthermore, various structures are provided that facilitates reducing of the anode.