Battery of the Future: Lithium-Air Battery Has Double the Power

Technologically, it is based on the reduction of oxygen within a gas diffusion electrode. Lithium-air batteries belong to the group of metal-air batteries and are particularly interesting because lithium has the highest electrochemical potential among metals. Lithium-air batteries could significantly increase the range of electric cars.

While electric vehicles can currently travel an average of just under 200 kilometers on a single charge, lithium-air batteries could enable a range of 640 to 800 kilometers using appropriate catalysts.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Technology

A significant advantage is the high energy density of lithium-air batteries, which at 11,140 watt-hours per kilogram without oxygen mass and 5,200 watt-hours per kilogram with oxygen mass is five to ten times higher than that of a lithium-ion battery. Lithium-air batteries also have the potential for a high cycle count and long shelf life. Compared to other batteries, they are also relatively environmentally friendly.

Lithium-air batteries are safer than lithium-ion batteries, as they are less prone to dendrite formation. Dendrites are branching crystalline deposits that can grow on the anodes during repeated charging cycles. These deposits can lead to fires and explosions of the power packs.

A disadvantage of lithium-air batteries concerning the cathodes is their low capacity and recyclability due to passivation and blockage of the cathode as a result of the formation of irreversible lithium compounds. Additionally disadvantageous is the loss of electrolytes through evaporation, as the oxygen solubility in the electrolyte is low and the water solubility is high in lithium-air batteries.

Lithium-Air Batteries from Japan

The developed lithium-air battery consists of ten stacked cells, has an energy density of 500 watt-hours (Wh/kg) per kilogram, and measures 4 by 5 centimeters. Current lithium-ion batteries typically have an energy density of around 200 Wh/kg.

"With the lithium-air battery, we have achieved world-class energy density," said Shoichi Matsuda, lead researcher at the National Institute for Materials Science, "This is a big step towards practical application."