An ultrahigh power Li–O2 battery

Abstract

The nonaqueous Li–O2 battery has the highest energy density among various systems so far, often reported as comparable to that of gasoline; this exceptional energy potentiality has elicited worldwide interest as a superior energy storage system. Major challenges have limited the performance of Li–O2 batteries regarding high charging overpotential, low rate capabilities, and cycle stabilities. Many approaches to reducing the charging overpotential and resulting enhanced cycling performance have been suggested, whereas only a few studies have focused on high-power performance. For successful electric propulsion applications, it is required that high-power technologies are developed for advanced Li–O2 batteries. We show the operating possibility of the nonaqueous primary Li–O2 cell at the A/g level and cycle stability of the nonaqueous rechargeable Li–O2 cell using the electrolyte bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium salt melted in dimethylglycol and single-walled carbon nanotube cathodes.