Electrocatalysts for Lithium–Air Batteries: Current Status and Challenges

Abstract

In past decade, electrochemical energy storage gained undivided attention with the increase in electrical energy demand for the usage of new technology such as moveable electronics. Li-ion batteries (LIB) have been the most successful energy storage system with their long-life cycle and efficiency, lower energy density, and notable cost effectiveness with small-scale energy storage. However, with large-scale energy storage and for long duration, work still needs done to make LIB efficient on such a scale as well. Recently Li–air batteries have been suggested as potential energy storage systems that can provide the solution for large- and long-term electrical energy storage. The Li–air battery utilizes the catalyst-based redox reaction, and still, it is not applicable commercially due to low current density, poor life cycle, and energy efficiency. Generally, such problems are associated with the materials used as an electrocatalyst and on the selection of the electrolyte. Herein, we briefly review the current advancements in the field of electrocatalysts for Li–air batteries which hinders their improvement toward commercial applications, and this review also provides an outlook for future Li–air battery systems.

Recent advances in heterostructured cathodic electrocatalysts for non-aqueous Li–O2batteries

“…Gravimetric energy densities (Wh kg -1 ) of typical rechargeable batteries and gasoline. 16,21,22 density of 11400 Wh kg -1 (even close to that of gasoline). In addition, the anticipated realistic energy density of nonaqueous Li-O 2 batteries matches the usable energy density of gasoline for automotive applications (about 1700 Wh kg -1 ), and this means that the nonaqueous Li-O 2 batteries hold the great potential to be one of the most likely energy storage devices for future energy vehicles, which is considered as an important solution to deal with the problem of global warming and energy crisis.…”

Recent progress in quantum dots based nanocomposite electrodes for rechargeable monovalent metal-ion and lithium metal batteries

“…The electrocatalyst may be a solid-state electrocatalyst such as heteroatom doped porous carbon, noble metals, and different transition metal oxides/carbides/nitrides or electrolyte soluble electrocatalysts such as redox mediators. 243–248 The use of a catalyst although influences the discharge capacity, it has little effect on the discharge voltage, whereas, the use of a suitably designed catalyst has shown a significant lowering of the charging overpotential and improve the round trip efficiency. The design of these catalysts is task-specific with defined properties to demonstrate efficient O 2 adsorption and promote the charge transfer from Li 2 O 2 to the substrate and decrease the energy barrier of Li 2 O 2 degradation.…”

Probing the Self‐Boosting Catalysis of LiCoO2 in Li–O2 Battery with Multiple In Situ/Operando Techniques

“…[ 21–25 ] However, the in‐deep catalytic mechanism of TMOs on ORR and OER of LOB is still poorly understood. [ 26,27 ]…”