Development of Air Electrodes and Solid Electrolytes for Long Lifetime High-Energy Density Lithium-Air Batteries as Energy Storage Device

The objective of this proposal is to develop high performance electrolytes and air electrode for lithium-air batteries with long-term stability and high galvanic efficiency. Lithium-air batteries exhibit the highest theoretical energy and power densities among the electrochemical cells and batteries, about ten times higher than lithium ion battery. The lithium-air batteries are suitable for electrical network, electrical vehicles, portable devices, and mass energy storage. In the three-year period of the project, attempts are focused on the development of highly efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions, porous substrate for air electrode, and all solid state electrolyte. Graphene-based and carbon nano-tubes materials will be used as carbon source for the air electrode to achieve stable electrochemical reactions, with the aid of suitable catalysts. Well-designed organic (aprotic) electrolyte can provide high conductivity and high lithium ion transport rate, and maintain lithium anode integrity. The ultimate goal is to develop all solid state electrode to avoid solvent evaporation, thus greatly increasing flexible operation window for battery and improving battery life. The half cells and assembled lithium-air batteries will be evaluated for cycling and long-term performance. The PI of this proposal (Prof. S. Jessie Lue) is an internationally well-known researcher in this field. She has published more than 48 SCI papers since 2013 and is a PI for the joint project of M-era supported by European Union. She is well qualified to carry out this research. Through past experience, the PI has prepared components for lithium air battery, established test protocol and platform for battery charge-discharges cycles and long-term battery lifetime test. The success of this project will have a significant impact on the energy generation and energy storage, which is essential to realize increased level of renewable energy and provide stable just-in-time electrical power to our community.

Project ID:PB10901-2280
External Project ID:MOST108-2221-E182-021-MY3