Advancing Li-air batteries

Energy Storage Lithium (Li)–air batteries demonstrate ultrahigh theoretical energy densities, but their practical realization is subject to various technical limitations because of the poor chemical stability of their components under exposure to air. Chen et al. showed that CO2, which is traditionally considered one of the chemical mediators that facilitate parasitic chemical reactions, could in fact improve battery stability. When introduced into the feeding gas, CO2 facilitates the formation of a passivated, protective Li2CO3 film on the Li anode and captures O2−, thus suppressing side reactions involving electrolyte and cathode. Using Pd/CNT as cathode that effectively catalyzes Li2CO3 decomposition, the authors developed a rechargeable Li-O2/CO2 battery with high energy capacity and long storage life. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 10.1002/anie.202006303 (2020).