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Li–air batteries: air stability of lithium metal anodes

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Abstract

Aprotic rechargeable lithium–air batteries (LABs) with an ultrahigh theoretical energy density (3,500 Wh kg −1) are known as the ‘holy grail’ of energy storage systems and could replace Li-ion batteries as the next-generation high-capacity batteries if a practical device could be realized. However, only a few researches focus on the battery performance and reactions in the ambient air environment, which is a major obstacle to promote the practical application of LABs. Here, we have summarized the recent research progress on LABs, especially with respect to the Li metal anodes. The chemical and electrochemical deteriorations of the Li metal anode under the ambient air are discussed in detail, and the parasitic reactions involving the cathode and electrolyte during the charge–discharge processes are included. We also provide stability perspectives on protecting the Li metal anodes and propose design principles for realizing high-performance LABs.

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Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2020YFE0204500), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52071311, 52271140), Jilin Province Science and Technology Development Plan Funding Project (20220201112GX), Changchun Science and Technology Development Plan Funding Project (21ZY06), and Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS (2020230, 2021223).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China

    Renfei Cao & Wanqiang Liu

  2. State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Changchun, 130022, China

    Renfei Cao, Kai Chen, Jianwei Liu, Gang Huang & Xinbo Zhang

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  1. Renfei Cao
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  2. Kai Chen
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Cao, R., Chen, K., Liu, J. et al. Li–air batteries: air stability of lithium metal anodes. Sci. China Chem. 67, 122–136 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11426-023-1581-2

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