Quasi-Solid-State Rechargeable Li-O-2 Batteries with High Safety and Long Cycle Life at Room Temperature

Abstract

As interest in electric vehicles and mass energy storage systems continues to grow, Li-O-2 batteries are attracting much attention as a candidate for next-generation energy storage systems owing to their high energy density. However, safety problems related to the use of lithium metal anodes have hampered the commercialization of Li-O-2 batteries. Herein, we introduced a quasi-solid polymer electrolyte with excellent electrochemical, chemical, and thermal stabilities into Li-O-2 batteries. The ion-conducting QSPE was prepared by gelling a polymer network matrix consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate, methacrylated tannic acid, lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, and nanofumed silica with a small amount of liquid electrolyte. The quasi-solid-state Li-O-2 cell consisted of a lithium powder anode, a quasi-solid polymer electrolyte, and a Pd3Co/multiwalled carbon nanotube cathode, which enhanced the electrochemical performance of the cell. This cell, which exhibited improved safety owing to the suppression of lithium dendrite growth, achieved a lifetime of 125 cycles at room temperature. These results show that the introduction of a quasi-solid electrolyte is a potentially new alternative for the commercialization of solid-state Li-O-2 batteries.