PROLAB (Practical and RObust Lithium Air Batteries)

Lithium-air technology is a potentially step change technology that threatens to revolutionise the world of batteries by offering considerably greater energy density. This could manifest itself in increased running times for consumer electronic goods or greater electric range in automotive applications. In recent years, there has been considerable technical improvements in this emerging technology, greatly increasing the durability of such cells. In this project, the promising technology will be explored further by examining three key components of a lithium-air battery. A synergistic approach of spectroelectrochemical analysis together with computational chemistry will be used to provide critical information about battery electrolyte design. In parallel, high energy density anode and cathode electrodes will be prepared using flexibly scaleable processes at labscale and studied. Furthermore, a variety of novel physical and chemical vapour deposition (PVD, CVD) related techniques will be deployed to prepare advanced electrode options. Down-selected anode, cathode, and electrolyte options will be subsequently integrated and assessed using conditions relevant for a practical and robust lithium air battery.