Investigation on Surface vs Solution Mechanisms in Li-O2 Battery

• Grant number: 24/01204-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2024
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Vitor Leite Martins
• Grantee: Vivian Yamashita Brizola
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/26309-4 - Beyond Li-ion: development of reversible non-aqueous metal-air batteries, AP.JP

Abstract

It has been suggested that the energy inefficiency during charge/discharge of a Li-O2 battery can be overcome by tailoring the oxidation reaction of Li2O2 to O2. The Li2O2 is produced during the discharge of the battery, with the reduction of oxygen to peroxide, which can take different steps depending on electrolyte. The peroxide formation can basically take two different mechanism, via surface or via solution. The former is the most conventional mechanism, where the peroxide particles growth on the electrode surface, which is hampered by its low electronic conductivity, the latter takes place when the superoxide intermediate has half-life (or stability) long enough so the peroxide is formed in solution, then deposited in the electrode surface. This project will study both mechanisms and find ways to favour one of them with modifications in electrolytes and electrodes.