The development and challenges of rechargeable non-aqueous lithium-air batteries

Lithium-air (Li-air) batteries have recently received much attention due to their extremely high theoretical energy densities. The significantly larger theoretical energy density of Li-air batteries is due to the use of a pure lithium metal anode and the fact that the cathode oxidant, oxygen, is stored externally since it can be readily obtained from the surrounding air. However, before Li-air batteries can be realized as high-performance, commercially viable products there are still numerous scientific and technical challenges that must be overcome, from designing the cathode structure, to optimizing the electrolyte compositions and elucidating the complex chemical reactions that occur during charge and discharge. The scientific obstacles that are related to the performance of Li-air batteries open up an exciting opportunity for researchers from many different backgrounds to utilize their unique knowledge and skills to bridge the knowledge gaps that exist in current research projects. This review article is a summary of the most significant developments and challenges of practical Li-air batteries and the current understanding of their chemistry.