Actual cell capacities of Li-air batteries are very low and, since only small-scale electrodes are currently tested, it is hard to predict the properties of large-size electrodes and cells, thus evaluating and judging real practical challenges related to this battery technology.^1-3

In this report, we report on fabrication, operation and evaluation of pouch-type Li-air cells using 3×5 cm² sized electrodes, in which we intend deal with higher capacity (mAh) of the electrodes, compared to most previous studies in the field. With the relatively large-sized cells, operating at high current density and capacity, we could recognize some remarkable problems that may not be significant in small cells.

In relatively large cells as those explored in this work issues related to non-uniform current distribution, mechanical and electronic integrity of electrodes are much more influencing compared to small cells. Hence, problems such as lithium dendrites formation and non-uniform deposition of oxygen reduction product become severe.

This study can help to determine which parameters are the most important for developing practical Li-air batteries.

 

References

1. K. M. Abraham, Z. Jiang, J. Electrochem. Soc. 1996, 143, 1.

2. H. G. Jung, J. Hassoun, J. B. Park, Y. K. Sun, B. Scrosati, Nature Chemistry 2012, 4, 579. 3.

3 M. M. O. Thotiyl, S. A. Freunberger, Z. Peng, Y. Chen, Z. Liu, P. G. Bruce, Nature Materials 2013, 12, 1050.