NOVELTY - The air-metal battery useful in computers, cell phones, portable music players and lighting devices, comprises a cathode (104) to reduce oxygen molecules to produce oxygen containing anions, an alkali-metal-containing anode (102) to oxidize the alkali-metal to produce alkali-metal ions, an aqueous catholyte in ionic communication with the cathode to conduct the alkali-metal ions and store in the form of a dissolved solute, an ion-selective membrane interposed between the anode and the aqueous catholyte solution, and an anolyte interposed between the anode and the ion-selective membrane.    USE - The air-metal battery is useful in computers, cell phones, portable music players, lighting devices and other electronic components, and in automobiles and other vehicles to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and reduce the output of carbon emissions.    ADVANTAGE - The air-metal battery reduces or prevents the cathode from becoming clogged with various reaction products, has high energy density, and is inexpensive, compact and light weight.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The air-metal battery useful in computers, cell phones, portable music players and lighting devices, comprises a cathode (104) to reduce oxygen molecules to produce oxygen containing anions, an alkali-metal-containing anode (102) to oxidize the alkali-metal to produce alkali-metal ions, an aqueous catholyte in ionic communication with the cathode to conduct the alkali-metal ions and store in the form of a dissolved solute, an ion-selective membrane interposed between the anode and the aqueous catholyte solution, and an anolyte interposed between the anode and the ion-selective membrane to conduct the alkali-metal ions. The ion-selective membrane is conductive to the alkali metal ions while impermeable to the aqueous catholyte solution, comprises a dense layer, and is sandwiched between porous layers, which provide strength and rigidity to the dense layer. The porous layers are infiltrated with the anolyte and catholyte respectively. The cathode comprises a gas-diffusion layer that is hydrophobic but permeable to oxygen, and a reaction layer to reduce the oxygen. The reaction layer comprises a catalyst to reduce oxygen or produce oxygen when recharging the battery. The catalyst comprises a perovskite-type compound. A reaction product produced by reacting the oxygen contains anions with the alkali-metal ions.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The diagram shows a high-level block diagram of a metal-air battery.    Anode (102)    Cathode (104)    Electrolyte membrane (106)    Aqueous catholyte layer (108)    Anolyte layer (110)    Current collectors. (111, 113)