Lithium–air batteries when operated in ambient air generally exhibit poor reversibility and cyclability, because of the Li passivation and Li2O2/LiOH/Li2CO3 accumulation in the air electrode. Herein, we present a Li–air battery supported by a polymer electrolyte containing 0.05 m LiI, in which the polymer electrolyte efficiently alleviates the Li passivation induced by attacking air. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that I−/I2 conversion in polymer electrolyte acts as a redox mediator that facilitates electrochemical decomposition of the discharge products during recharge process. As a result, the Li–air battery can be stably cycled 400 times in ambient air (relative humidity of 15 %), which is much better than previous reports. The achievement offers a hope to develop the Li–air battery that can be operated in ambient air.
A polymer electrolyte containing lithium-iodide has been found to reduce the accumulation of deposits on the electrode, allowing for 400 stable cycles in ambient air, according to a team from Sudan University in Shanghai.