A Synergistic System for Lithium–Oxygen Batteries in Humid Atmosphere Integrating a Composite Cathode and a Hydrophobic Ionic Liquid‐Based Electrolyte

Abstract

Moisture in air is a major obstacle for realizing practical lithium‐air batteries. Here, we integrate a hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL)‐based electrolyte and a cathode composed of electrolytic manganese dioxide and ruthenium oxide supported on Super P (carbon black) to construct a promising system for Li‐O2 battery that can be sustained in humid atmosphere (RH: 51%). A high discharge potential of 2.94 V and low charge potential of 3.34 V for 218 cycles are achieved. The outstanding performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of the unique hydrophobic IL‐based electrolyte and the composite cathode. This is the first time that such excellent performance is achieved in humid O2 atmosphere and these results are believed to facilitate the realization of practical lithium‐air batteries.