Electrocatalysts for nonaqueous lithium-air batteries: Status, challenges, and perspective

Abstract

The Li-air battery has recently emerged as a potentially transformational energy storage technology for both transportation and stationary energy storage applications because of its very high specific energy; however, its practical application is currently limited by the poor power capability (low current density), poor cyclability, and low energy efficiency. All of these are largely determined by interfacial reactions on oxygen electrocatalysts in the air electrode. In this article, we review the fundamental understanding of oxygen electrocatalysis in nonaqueous electrolytes and the status and challenges of oxygen electrocatalysts and provide a perspective on new electrocatalysts' design and development. © 2012 American Chemical Society.