Study On Performance Optimization For Non-aqueous Li-air Batteries

The theoretical energy density of a Li-O₂ cell is calculated to be 11680 W·h/kg, which is much higher than other types of rechargeable batteries. However, many challenges for practical applications need to be resolved, such as electrolyte instability, sluggish kinetics, high overpotential, and short cycle life. The influence of electrocatalyst, carbon material, water content and current collector were researched to improve the cycle performance of Li-air batteries.LaNiO₃ were synthesized by a simple method and adopted as electrocatalyst in nonaqueous Li-O₂ batteries to prove the effect of catalyst. In the research of using nickel foam, Super P and Graphene Nanoplatelets were used for the preparation of oxygen electrode, respectively. SP-based electrode displayed better performance because of the porous structure. The necessary of controlling water content was also been tested. Finally, the assembled batteries showed larger capacitiesof 1109mAh/g and higher voltagesof 2.59 V. The capacity retention rate is 96.21% in the 5th cycle.In the research of using carbon paper, the assembled batteries reveal a low discharge–recharge voltage gap of 878 mV, superior cycle stability?> 155 cycles? as well as stable discharging terrace?limit > 2.51 V? with only 18 wt% loading of electrocatalyst, attributed to the efficient electrocatalytic activity, mesoporous nanostructure and high dispersibility of LaNiO₃ nanoparticles.