Research Progress for the Development of Li-Air Batteries: Addressing Parasitic Reactions Arising from Air Composition

Abstract

Li-air batteries are an extremely attractive technology for electrical energy storage, especially in long-range electric vehicles, owing to their high theoretical specific energy. However, many issues still exist before their practical realization. Herein, the sole complexity of electrode reaction in Li-air batteries is presented. And the critical components that influence the electrochemical performance of aprotic Li-air batteries operating in ambient air are discussed. These include the mechanisms and pathways of CO2/Li2CO3 and H2O/LiOH, catalysts of CO2 reduction/evolution reactions, and reactions between the Li anode and air constituents. If these challenges can be solved, Li-air batteries will soon be realized for practical application. Some hot topics in field of Li-air batteries should be focused, such as the fundamental mechanism research referring to interfacial reactions of atmosphere components on porous electrode and Li metal anode, high-efficiency solid catalyst design, and discovery of suitable soluble redox mediators.