Recent progresses and challenges in aqueous lithium–air batteries relating to the solid electrolyte separator: A mini-review

Abstract

The lithium–air (Li–air) battery utilizes infinite oxygen in the air to store or release energy through a semi-open cathode structure and bears an ultra-high theoretical energy density of more than 1,000 Wh/kg. Therefore, it has been denoted as the candidate for next-generation energy storage in versatile fields such as electric vehicles, telecommunications, and special power supply. Among all types of Li–air batteries, an aqueous Li–air battery bears the advantages of a high theoretical energy density of more than 1,700 Wh/kg and does not have the critical pure oxygen atmosphere issues in a non-aqueous lithium–air battery system, which is more promising for the actual application. To date, great achievements have been made in materials’ design and cell configurations, but critical challenges still remain in the field of the solid electrolyte separator, its related lithium stripping/plating at the lithium anode, and catholyte design. In this mini-review, we summarized recent progress related to the solid electrolyte in aqueous Li–air batteries focusing on both material and battery device development. Moreover, we proposed a discussion and unique outlook on improving solid electrolyte compatibility and battery performance, thus designing an aqueous Li–air battery with higher energy density and better cycle performance in the future.

High‐Energy‐Density Solid‐State Metal–Air Batteries: Progress, Challenges, and Perspectives

“…[36] To address this issue, a polymer, inorganic, or liquid buffer layer should be deposited or coated between the electrolyte and lithium anode, which is characterized by high Li-ion conductivity, flexibility, and endurance with the lithium electrode. [37][38][39] By sputtering Li 3 PO 4 under a nitrogen discharge, a lithium phosphorous oxynitride (LiPON) thin film layer was obtained and applied in the early stage. [40] PEO with different Li salts, as Zhang et al suggested, was also deployed as a polymer interlayer material which has successfully suppressed the undesirable reaction between the LATP and Li metal anode.…”

Study on failure mechanism on rechargeable alkaline zinc–Air battery during charge/discharge cycles at different depths of discharge

“…The depletion of fossil fuels and environmental degradation have led to the development of renewable energy, such as solar and wind energy, and to meet the intermittent problems of these energy production, the exploration and research of energy storage equipment is essential. Due to the limitation of cost and safety issues of traditional lithium-ion batteries, aqueous metal-air batteries have become the choice of the next-generation (Chen et al, 2022), among which Rechargeable zinc-air battery (ZAB) are most noteworthy (Wu et al, 2022) due to high energy density of 820 mA h/g which is about 5 times higher than the current lithium-ion battery (Li et al, 2013;Liu Q. et al, 2019), operate safely due to the use of non-flammable aqueous electrolyte, rich earthabundance of Zn (Li and Dai, 2014). So it can provide stable discharge voltage for electrical vehicles, grid energy storage, even some advanced electronics, such as a robot (Goldstein et al, 1999;Yang et al, 2011;Li et al, 2013;Lutkenhaus and Flouda, 2020;Zhao et al, 2020).…”

Organic Solvent-Based Li–Air Batteries with Cotton and Charcoal Cathode

“…Four main types of LABs can be distinguished: 9 (i) LABs with an aqueous electrolyte, 22,23 (ii) LABs with a nonaqueous electrolyte, 24,25 (iii) hybrid cells (an organic solvent at the anode compartment and an aqueous solvent at the cathode compartment), 26 and (iv) LABs with a solid electrolyte. 10,27 The application of solid electrolytes can improve the properties of LABs. For example, metal-oxide-based materials are stable at elevated temperatures and their electrochemical stability is significantly higher than that of organic solvents, providing high (up to 6 V) operation voltage.…”

“…9 The lithium anode can react with oxygen and moisture (originating from ambient air); thus, especially for aqueous cells, a special layer is required to prevent these side reactions. 10 Furthermore, special gas diffusion layers (GDLs) are applied at the cathode compartment [11][12][13] to prevent the evaporation of solvents and the diffusion of water from the ambient air into the cell while providing appropriate oxygen transport. In addition to the application of GDLs, protective polymer films 14,15 can be used on the surface of lithium.…”