Redox-Mediated Polymer Catalyst for Lithium-Air Batteries with High Round-Trip Efficiency

Abstract

Lithium-air batteries (LABs) continue to receive attention as a promising power source because they possess a high theoretical energy density of 3436 Wh L−1. However, the remaining Li2O2 resulting from the irreversible decomposition of Li2O2 during the charge process is one of the key challenges so as to address the deterioration of the cycling performance of LABs. In this study, we propose and report a redox-mediated polymer catalyst (RPC) as a cathode catalyst being composed of LiI and poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the cathode material. In the RPC, iodine molecules are chemically combined with the PVDF-HFP chain. The as-prepared RPC exhibits increased cycling performance by 194% and decreased overpotential by 21.1% at 0.1 mA cm−2 compared to the sample without LiI molecules. Furthermore, these results suggest that the RPC consisting of a polymer chain and redox mediators will be extensively utilized as highly efficient catalysts of LABs.

Transforming a Primary Li-SOCl2 Battery into a High-Power Rechargeable System via Molecular Catalysis

“…Consequently, by introduction of I 2 , bifunctional catalysis of the charge and discharge processes occurs via the tuning of the intermediates, leading to performance enhancement with the potential for use in high-power rechargeable applications. In comparison with Li–O 2 batteries with redox mediators and alkali metal/Cl 2 batteries ,− (Figure ), which are potential rivals in satisfying high-energy-storage demands, Li-SOCl 2 /I 2 batteries reported herein display advantages in terms of high-rate capabilities. …”

Direct Ink Writing for Electrochemical Device Fabrication: A Review of 3D-Printed Electrodes and Ink Rheology

“…In the last few years, with the rising demand for longer battery durations, the research community has paid attention to rechargeable Li-based batteries (LIBs) [84], mostly optimizing electrode structures to achieve both higher energy densities and longer lifecycles [85][86][87]. Batteries are known to be composed of an anode, a cathode, and, between them, an electrolyte (separator).…”