Researchers develop new electrolyte to improve the cycling stability of lithium-air batteries

According to foreign media reports, researchers from the University of Liverpool, specialty materials company Johnson Matthey PLC and Loughborough University have collaborated on a study that has made significant progress in developing practical and stable lithium-oxygen battery electrolytes.

(Image source: University of Liverpool)

Lithium-oxygen (Li-O 2) batteries consist of lithium metal and a porous conductive framework, also known as lithium-air batteries, whose electrodes release energy through the reaction of oxygen in the air with lithium. The technology is still in its infancy, but compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries, it can theoretically provide higher energy storage.

Professor Laurence Hardwick and colleagues at the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy (SIRE) at the University of Liverpool have carefully designed and developed an electrolyte formulation that significantly reduces the side reactions occurring within the battery, allowing it to maintain cycling stability over longer periods of time.

Lead researcher Dr. Alex Neale said the study showed that by precisely controlling the ratio of ingredients, some electrolyte components can be made unreactive. "Using existing low-volatility components to precisely formulate electrolytes can meet the specific requirements of lithium-air battery technology for electrolytes, thereby greatly improving cycle stability and functionality.

"The results show that a precise understanding of the coordination environment of lithium ions in the electrolyte can help significantly improve the electrolyte stability at the lithium metal electrode interface, thereby enhancing the actual performance of the battery."

Dr Pooja Goddard, from Loughborough University's Department of Chemistry, said: "Using computational and experimental data, we identified the key physical parameters that keep the electrolyte stable relative to the lithium metal electrode interface.

The researchers said that this electrolyte design provides a benchmark formula. In the next step of research, it will help to understand and develop new positive electrode architectures that can be used in practice, thereby improving conversion efficiency and further extending cycle life.