THELITHIUM-OXYGENBATTERYANDTHEAUTOMOTIVE
INDUSTRY:AROADTOSUSTAINABILITY
TylerWeinsteinandStevenCorcoran
Figure1[1]
This graph depicts various types of rechargeable
batteries and their respective gravimetric
energy densities. Gravimetric energy densities
translate to the amount of power a battery can
produce per kilogram of its mass. The
measurements at the top are for the lithiumoxygen battery.
PROS
CONS
Highgravimetricenergy Produces300gramsper
density
kilogramequivalentCO2
ingreenhousegas
Lightweightbattery
Moistureinair
woulddecreaseweight decreasespower
ofelectricvehicles
output
Reachesa90%
Sidereactions’
energyefficiency
byproductsmar
interfacialchemistry
Couldincrease
Moreresearchis
marketabilityofelectric neededtosettleona
vehicles
suitableelectrocatalyst
Couldcompetewiththe Innovationsincycling
internalcombustion
performanceare
engine
necessary
As the search for unique and more efficient power surges forward, discovery and innovation
abound. Batteries are becoming lighter, smaller, and quicker to charge. One specific innovation is
the lithium-oxygen battery: this battery is distinguishable in its ability to be recharged many times
without decomposing. While this battery is still being tweaked to optimize energy efficiency, it has
potential in the automotive industry to create more efficient electric vehicles. One of the most
enticing features of the lithium-oxygen battery for engineers and researchers is its power output
relative to its mass (gravimetric energy density), which is higher than any other battery’s. Lithium’s
low mass, in conjunction with oxygen gas, contribute heavily to the gravimetric energy density of
1700 Wh/kg. This means, firstly, that a lithium-oxygen battery can produce a much greater output
than conventional batteries of the same weight. Alternatively, lighter batteries can be created which
would result in lighter electric vehicles, a current goal for automakers. Both options will allow the
automotive industry to become more efficient in terms of energy expenditures, making electric
vehicles more sustainable and economically competitive.
Sustainability
Benefits:
Reactions
ChargingReactions
• Thelithium-oxygenbatteryismoreenergy
efficientthananinternalcombustionengine,
withminimalenergylostasheat.
Li+ +O2 +e- →LiO2,
• Theelectrochemicalcell’slowmassandhigh
gravimetricenergydensityallowittocompete
withtheinternalcombustionengine,makingit
moreeconomicallyviable.
or,alternatively
Limitations:
• Thebatteryoutputs300gramsperkilogramof
CO2 equivalent.
• Currentproceduresforrecyclingthelithiumoxygenbatteryproperlyareunresolved.
LiO2 +Li+ +e- →Li2O2
Figure2[3]
ThepictureabovecomesfromtheBattery500
projectatIBMwhichseekstodevelopalithiumoxygenbatterymeetingthreecriteria:
1. Thebatteryfunctionsasefficientlyasgasoline.
2. Thebatterycanpoweracarfor500milesper
charge.
3. Theelectricdrivesystemissimilartothatof
gasolinewithrespecttosize,weightandprice.
2LiO2 →Li2O2 +O2 [2]
DischargingReaction
Li2O2 →2Li+ +O2 +2e- [2]
The picture to the right depicts a current
electric cars’ (the Nissan Leaf’s) mileage
range while using lithium-ion batteries, as
compared to other rechargeable batteries.
While still undergoing research and
development, the lithium-oxygen battery is
projected to significantly
expand an
electric vehicle’s range.
Figure3[4]
References:[1]P.Adelhelm.“Fromlithiumtosodium:cellchemistryofroomtemperaturesodium–airandsodium–sulfurbatteries.”Belstein JournalofNanotechnology.2015.Accessed01.08.2017. http://www.beilstein-journals.org/bjnano/single/articleFullText.htm?publicId=2190-4286-6-105
[2]S.Cho.“MorphologyControlofLithiumPeroxideUsingPd3CoasanAdditiveinAproticLi-O2Batteries.”Journalof PowerSources.02.282017.Accessed03.01.2017.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378775316317797
[3]S.Anthony.“IBMcreatesbreathing,high-density,light-weightlithium-airbattery.”
ExtremeTech.04.20.2012.Accessed03.31.2017.https://www.extremetech.com/computing/126745-ibm-creates-breathing-high-density-light-weight-lithium-air-battery
[4]“PeriodicTrends--IonizationEnergy.” AngeloStateUniversity.1998.Accessed03.01.2017https://www.angelo.edu/faculty/kboudrea/periodic/trends_ionization_energy.htm