Progress of Non-Aqueous Electrolyte for Li-Air Batteries

Abstract

Li-air batteries have received much attention in the past several years because of their large theoretical specific energy density, stable output voltage, cost-effective, energy-efficient and pollution free, and have broad application prospects. If it is successfully developed, the battery could be an excellent energy storage device for renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and tidal energy, which brings a prospect for human to solve the problem of environment pollution and energy crisis. But the electrolyte is a crucial component of Li-air battery and the electrochemical performance of the battery is determined by electrolyte to a great extent. Due to the react violently between lithium and water, it is not practical for Li-air battery to use directly an aqueous electrolyte unless the anode can be protected from degradation. In this review, we presented the latest research progress on the non-aqueous electrolyte, i.e. organic electrolyte, ionic liquid and solid electrolyte. We elaborated the influence of solvents, and possible additives, and/or their combination Li-air battery’s performance. Finally, we provided insights into the prospect of non-aqueous electrolyte for Li-air battery.