Oxygen electrochemistry plays a key role in modern electrochemical systems such as fuel cells and metal-air batteries.  Here, we will discuss our work on Li-air batteries, which have much higher theoretical gravimetric energy storage density than all other battery chemistries.  This has led to a strong interest in developing such batteries for powering EVs, enabling driving ranges comparable to gasoline powered automobiles.  However, many fundamental challenges need to be solved before these batteries can become practical.  We will address three issues, based on density functional theory calculations and electrochemical modeling, relating to the practicality of non-aqueous Li-air batteries - (1) Thermodynamic efficiency, (2) Conductivity limitations and (3) Rechargability of non-aqueous Li-air batteries.

Theoretical analysis of fundamental limitations of lithium-air batteries

248th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.