Understanding oxygen reactions in aprotic Li-O2 batteries

Although significant progress has been made in many aspects of the emerging aprotic Li-O₂ battery system, an in-depth understanding of the oxygen reactions is still underway. The oxygen reactions occurring in the positive electrode distinguish Li-O₂ batteries from the conventional Li-ion cells and play a crucial role in the Li-O₂ cell’s performance (capacity, rate capability, and cycle life). Recent advances in fundamental studies of oxygen reactions in aprotic Li-O₂ batteries are reviewed, including the reaction route, kinetics, morphological evolution of Li₂O₂, and charge transport within Li₂O₂. Prospects are also provided for future fundamental investigations of Li-O₂ chemistry.

Project supported by the Recruitment Program of Global Youth Experts of China, the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDA09010401), the Science and Technology Development Program of Jilin Province, China (Grant No. 20150623002TC), and the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province, China (Grant No. BK20131139).