Lithium-air battery

The high energy density of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries makes them the technology of choice for electric vehicles and other energy storage applications. The energy density of such batteries can be doubled but higher energy densities are required in the future to extend the range of electric vehicles and for renewable energy storage. One approach is the Li-air battery, in which the cathode is a porous electrode where O₂ from the air forms Li₂O₂ on discharge, the product decomposing again on charging. We have demonstrated an energy storage 8 times current Li-ion cells. Addressing the many challenges of Li-air batteries requires a fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanisms. Progress will be discussed, including the influence of the electrode components, carbon and metal oxide, on the electrode reactions.