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Li–O2 and Li–S batteries with high energy storage

Nature Materials volume 11, pages 19–29 (2012)Cite this article

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An Erratum to this article was published on 15 December 2011

This article has been updated

The amount of energy that can be stored in Li-ion batteries is insufficient for the long-term needs of society, for example, for use in extended-range electric vehicles. Here, the energy-storage capabilities of Li–O2 and Li–S batteries are compared with that of Li-ion, their performances are reviewed, and the challenges that need to be overcome if such batteries are to succeed are highlighted.

Abstract

Li-ion batteries have transformed portable electronics and will play a key role in the electrification of transport. However, the highest energy storage possible for Li-ion batteries is insufficient for the long-term needs of society, for example, extended-range electric vehicles. To go beyond the horizon of Li-ion batteries is a formidable challenge; there are few options. Here we consider two: Li–air (O2) and Li–S. The energy that can be stored in Li–air (based on aqueous or non-aqueous electrolytes) and Li–S cells is compared with Li-ion; the operation of the cells is discussed, as are the significant hurdles that will have to be overcome if such batteries are to succeed. Fundamental scientific advances in understanding the reactions occurring in the cells as well as new materials are key to overcoming these obstacles. The potential benefits of Li–air and Li–S justify the continued research effort that will be needed.

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Figure 1: Schematic representations of Li-ion, non-aqueous and aqueous Li–O2 and Li–S cells.
Figure 2: Practical specific energies for some rechargeable batteries, along with estimated driving distances and pack prices.
Figure 3: Challenges facing the non-aqueous Li–O2 battery.
Figure 4: First galvanostatic charge, i = 70 mA g−1 C (that is, Li2O2 oxidation) for various catalyst-containing Li–O2 cells in this study77.
Figure 5: Challenges facing the aqueous Li–O2 battery.
Figure 6: Load curve of an aqueous Li–O2 cell.
Figure 7: Challenges facing the Li–S battery.
Figure 8: Cycle-life data of Li–S cell.

Change history

  • 04 January 2012

    In the version of this Review originally published, in Table 1, the values in rows 2–5 of the 'Cell voltage' column appeared incorrectly; the full column should have read 3.8, 1.65, 2.2, 3.0 and 3.2. This has now been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions.

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Acknowledgements

P.G.B. is indebted to the EPRSC and Toyota Motor Europe for support. The authors wish to express their thanks to S. Visco, M. Armand and R. Demir-Cakan and the ALISTORE-ERI members for helpful discussions. P.G.B. and J.M.T. are members of ALISTORE-ERI — European Network of Excellence on Lithium Batteries.

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  1. Laurence J. Hardwick

    Present address: Present address: Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, UK,

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST, Fife, Scotland, UK

    Peter G. Bruce, Stefan A. Freunberger & Laurence J. Hardwick

  2. Laboratoire de Réactivité et Chimie des Solides — UMR CNRS 6007, 33 rue Saint-Leu, 80039, Amiens Cedex, France

    Jean-Marie Tarascon

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Bruce, P., Freunberger, S., Hardwick, L. et al. Li–O2 and Li–S batteries with high energy storage. Nature Mater 11, 19–29 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat3191

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