Electrolyte formulations point to next-gen batteries

This is the claim of scientists led by Liverpool University, in partnership with Johnson Matthey PLC and Loughborough University, who have designed a blend of materials that are stable with the Li metal anode of lithium-oxygen batteries.

Two-dimensional materials may catalyse performance of promising lithium-air batteries

The lithium-oxygen (Li-O₂) battery (or lithium-air battery), consisting of Li-metal and a porous conductive framework as its electrodes, releases energy from the reaction of oxygen from the air and lithium. The burgeoning technology has the potential to provide much greater energy storage than a conventional lithium-ion battery.

In a paper published in Advanced Functional Materials, Professor Laurence Hardwick from Liverpool University’s Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy (SIRE) and colleagues characterised and developed electrolyte formulations that minimise side reactions and enable cycle stability.

According to lead author of the paper Dr Alex Neale, who is also with SIRE, the research demonstrates that the reactivity of certain electrolyte components can be switched off by precise control of component ratios.