Moisture Resistant Lithium Air (MORELAB)

The project will involve Johnson Matthey Technology Centre and the University of Cambridge in a collaboration

on Lithium Air batteries. The project will investigate a novel approach to improve the tolerance of Li-Air

batteries to operation on 'real air' containing water and carbon dioxide contaminants, using new lower

volatility electrolytes with redox mediators The approach will enhance solvation and diffusion of reactants and

reaction intermediates for the Li-O2 reaction and hence improve reversibility. The project will optimise robust

cathode structures for enhanced capacity and increased current density (target > 10mA/cm2) and assess

scaleability of cathode preparation routes . Partners will investigate methodologies to protect the Li anode

from adverse surface reactions during long term cycles on 'real air'. A full cell validation under a range of

testing conditions will complete the project and allow assessment of the simplifications to air purification,

reduction in system balance of plant (and increase in usable Wh/L) that might be achieved via this technology.