Coupling Water-Proof Li Anodes with LiOH-Based Cathodes Enables Highly Rechargeable Lithium–Air Batteries Operating in Ambient Air

Abstract

Realizing an energy-dense, highly rechargeable nonaqueous lithium–oxygen battery in ambient air remains a big challenge because the active materials of the typical high-capacity cathode (Li2O2) and anode (Li metal) are unstable in air. Herein, a novel lithium–oxygen full cell coupling a lithium anode protected by a composite layer of polyethylene oxide (PEO)/lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP)/wax to a LiOH-based cathode is constructed. The protected lithium is stable in air and water, and permits reversible, dendrite-free lithium stripping/plating in a wet nonaqueous electrolyte under ambient air. The LiOH-based full cell reaction is immune to moisture (up to 99% humidity) in air and exhibits a much better resistance to CO2 contamination than Li2O2, resulting in a more consistent electrochemistry in the long term. The current approach of coupling a protected lithium anode with a LiOH-based cathode holds promise for developing a long-life, high-energy lithium–air battery capable of operating in the ambient atmosphere.