PNNL

Abstract

Li-air batteries exhibit much higher energy density than most other conventional energy storage systems. Although there are significant barriers need to be overcome before the commercialization of primary Li-air batteries, these barriers are less difficult to be solved than those in the rechargeable Li-air batteries. The key to realize the potential of primary Li-air batteries is a balanced design for the full batteries. This includes a balance between the mesopore structure and the macropore structures of the air electrode; a balance between oxygen solubility and viscosity of the electrolyte, a balance between oxygen diffusion rate and water penetration rate of the protective membrane; a balance between energy density and power density of the batteries. Because of many similarities between primary and rechargeable Li-air batteries, success in primary Li-air batteries can also largely help the development of rechargeable Li-air batteries, which have great potential to be used in the next generation of energy-storage systems beyond Li-ion batteries.