According to this paper published by researchers at MIT in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, rechargeable lithium-air batteries can be significantly more efficient by using a catalyst that consists of nanoparticles of a gold and platinum alloy. Perhaps this could help significantly toward making these high-energy-density batteries practical for powering electric vehicles. In response to the paper, Dr. Richard Holliday, Director – Industrial at the World Gold Council stated that, "…(w)ith this new research both fuel cell and electric powered vehicles might one day be using gold."
If gold nanoparticles are to play such a key role in advancing lithium-air battery technology, international standard test methods are needed for measuring conductivity and corrosion resistance so that suppliers and customers alike have common specifications for measuring the reliability and durability of these materials. These standards should be developed within IEC TC 113 for nano electro-technologies, and the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to IEC TC 113 is prepared to lead in these efforts.