We calculate the free energy of each electrochemical intermediate step during the recharge process of the battery, following the approach as outline in Ref. 17. It is assumed that the couple (Li + + e -) is in equilibrium with bulk metallic Li; that the O 2 molecule in solution is in equilibrium with both, O 2 in the gas phase and O 2 adsorbed at the surface; that during the desorption of Li + ion at the cathode there is a coordinated Li + + e -charge transfer and that the interactions of the surface species with the electrolyte can be ignored. Furthermore, we consider that the Li 2 O 2 dissolution occurs mainly on the Li 2 O 2 surface rather than near the cathode.