Understanding the behavior of Li–oxygen cells containing LiI

Abstract

Mankind has been in an unending search for efficient sources of energy. The coupling of lithium and oxygen in aprotic solvents would seem to be a most promising direction for electrochemistry. Indeed, if successful, this system could compete with technologies such as the internal combustion engine and provide an energy density that would accommodate the demands of electric vehicles. All this promise has not yet reached fruition because of a plethora of practical barriers and challenges. These include solvent and electrode stability, pronounced overvoltage for oxygen evolution reactions, limited cycle life and rate capability. One of the approaches suggested to facilitate the oxygen evolution reactions and improve rate capability is the use of redox mediators such as iodine for the fast oxidation of lithium peroxide. In this paper we have examined LiI as an electrolyte and additive in Li oxygen cells with ethereal electrolyte solutions. At high concentrations of LiI, the presence of the salt promotes a side reaction that forms LiOH as a major product. In turn, the presence of oxygen facilitates the reduction of I₃⁻ to 3I⁻ in these systems. At very low concentrations of LiI, oxygen is reduced to Li₂O₂. The iodine formed in the anodic reaction serves as a redox mediator for Li₂O₂ oxidation.