LI2O2 and its transient intermediates are highly reactive and can induce parasitic degradation of both the electrolyte and electrode components.1-4 we believe that the identification of electrolyte…

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) awarded a $235,126.83 cooperative agreement to the Regents of the University of California, doing business as the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), to conduct research on improving the cycle life of lithium-air (Li-O2) battery cells. The research will focus on strategies to identify new electrolyte and cathode materials that can provide stable Li-O2 cycling. This work will be undertaken in collaboration with principal investigators at the Ames and Glenn Research Centers, whose theory and materials synthesis guidance will inform the materials discovery process. The contract does not have a set-aside designation. The parent organization for UC Berkeley is the State of California Controllers Office, which has previously received federal grants and provided services as a subcontractor on other government contracts.

LI2O2 and its transient intermediates are highly reactive and can induce parasitic degradation of both the electrolyte and electrode components.1-4 we believe that the identification of electrolyte and cathode compositions that provide stable LI-O2 cycling presents the most important direction of research in the field today. Work at UCB will therefore specifically focus on strategies to improve cycle life of LI-air battery cells through discovery of new electrolyte and cathode materials. This work will be undertaken in concert with PIS at ames and glenn research centers, whose theory and materials synthesis guidance will create a valuable feedback loop for materials discovery. Three specific thrusts will be explored in the context of this research, noting that among the various reported strategies to improve stability, that these, in our opinion, represent those most likely to yield substantive advances: 1. Understanding LI-O2 reversibility in concentrated electrolytes and, more generally, novel electrolyte compositions in combination with new cathode materials. 2. Development of molecular traps to suppress the formation of highly reactive species. 3. Development of stable redox mediators for solution phase charge shuttling to improve stability on cell charge in high-capacity LI-O2 batteries.