A stable electrolyte makes a nonaqueous Li–O2 battery truly rechargeable

Abstract

As a result of their ultra-high specific energy and potential use in electric vehicles and grid energy storage, rechargeable nonaqueous lithium–air (Li–O₂) batteries are becoming more and more popular among academia, corporations, and research institutes. Unfortunately, the cycle numbers of nonaqueous rechargeable Li–O₂ batteries are seriously restricted by the electrolyte. To deal with this problem, a novel Li–O₂ battery that contains a sulfolane-based electrolyte is shown. Even though it only has a simple structure, it still exhibits amazing performance at different air temperatures (a valid discharge specific capacity of ∼1000 mA h g⁻¹ is obtained after 110 cycles at air temperatures between 17 °C and 29 °C). This kind of Li–O₂ battery inspires us to build lithium–air batteries with true rechargeability.