A Solid-State, Rechargeable, Long Cycle Life Lithium–Air Battery

This paper describes a totally solid-state, rechargeable, long cycle life lithium–oxygen battery cell. The cell is comprised of a Li metal anode, a highly Li-ion conductive solid electrolyte membrane laminate fabricated from glass–ceramic (GC) and polymer–ceramic materials, and a solid-state composite air cathode prepared from high surface area carbon and ionically conducting GC powder. The cell exhibited excellent thermal stability and rechargeability in the temperature range. It was subjected to 40 charge–discharge cycles at current densities ranging from 0.05 to . The reversible charge/discharge voltage profiles of the cell with low polarizations between the discharge and charge are remarkable for a displacement-type electrochemical cell reaction involving the reduction of oxygen to form lithium peroxide. The results represent a major contribution in the quest of an ultrahigh energy density electrochemical power source. We believe that the cell, when fully developed, could exceed specific energies of 1000 Wh/kg in practical configurations.