Capacity Enhancement in Quasi-Solid-State Lithium–Oxygen Batteries via Self-Constructing Li<sup>+</sup> Transport Channels
Zehui Zhao, Xu Xiao, Zhuojun Zhang, Aijing Yan, Yasen Hao, Tenghui Qiu, Peng Tan
Abstract
Lithium–oxygen batteries (LOBs) attract widespread attention due to their high energy density and safety. The morphology of the solid discharge product bears a close correlation with the battery capacity. In this work, the capacity of LOBs surprisingly increases from 790 mAh g –1 under the liquid electrolyte to 2395 mAh g –1 by using a quasi-solid-state electrolyte (QSSE). The thin film and spherical Li 2 O 2 under the QSSE system construct new Li + transport channels, which help to extend the solid-phase Li + transport boundary to the entire electrode to enhance the spatial utilization efficiency of the electrode. Furthermore, a novel mechanism for the growth of Li 2 O 2 is proposed, which is determined by the coupling of the conductivity of Li + and electrons within the products and the electrode. The result innovatively reveals a new mechanism for the growth of discharge products and a new model of Li + conduction in LOBs under QSSE systems.