Lithium-Air Battery: Study of Rechargeability and Scalability

Lithium-air battery is anticipated as the battery with highest energy density among all existing rechargeable battery systems known now. Literature reports suggest that the theoretical energy density of Li-air battery is close to that of gasoline. Thus, if successfully developed, rechargeable Li-air battery will be a suitable substitute for gasoline for electric vehicles. The research and development work is at initial stages worldwide at present. Electrochemistry of oxygen in non-aqueous electrolytes is one of the crucial factors. Development of a suitable catalyst for reversible oxygen electrode for long cycle-life is important. The research and development work available in the literature and also in the investigator's laboratory is based on small experimental cells. Furthermore, the cells function as primary (non-rechargeable) cells, and attempts to recharge do not produce significant results. Hardly a few cycles are reported. In the present studies, cells are assembled with electrodes of area of about 10 sq cm and evaluated for electrochemical discharge. For achieving rechargeability, several attempts are made with different catalysts, carbons, electrolytes, etc., but a few cycles are achieved in some of the cells.