A team of researchers has developed a groundbreaking additive that significantly improves the lifespan and efficiency of lithium-air batteries, potentially doubling the driving range of vehicles compared to those using traditional lithium-ion batteries. This innovation, announced on February 10, was led by Prof. Kwak Won-jin from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), in collaboration with Prof. Seo Seong-eun from Ajou University and Prof. Chen Shuming from Oberlin College in the United States.
Lithium-air batteries are known for their high energy density, offering up to five times the capacity of conventional lithium-ion batteries. These batteries use lithium as the anode and oxygen from the air as the cathode. However, challenges arise from the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during operation, which can damage battery components and reduce efficiency. The newly introduced additive, a redox mediator named BAC, addresses this issue by stabilizing the charging voltage at 3.5V, even when exposed to singlet oxygen, a highly reactive form of oxygen.
Despite making up only 5% of the battery’s electrolyte weight, the BAC mediator plays a vital role in extending the battery’s efficiency and lifespan. By lowering the voltage needed for charging, BAC enhances energy efficiency and minimizes battery overload. Researcher Lee Hyun-wook, the first author of the study, explained, “We developed this redox mediator by analyzing the molecular stereostructure.”
The design of the BAC mediator includes a hydrogen atom attached to the “alpha carbon,” a structure that, according to Bredt’s rule, minimizes reactivity with singlet oxygen. This design ensures the mediator’s stability and reversibility, with oxygen release rates of 82% and 79% during charging. This is a significant improvement over other mediators, which typically suffer performance degradation when exposed to reactive oxygen species.
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