The stability and performance of lithium-oxygen batteries could be significantly improved with a tailored electrolyte that could represent the next generation of rechargeable batteries. This is according to a team of scientists from the University of Liverpool, Johnson Matthey PLC and Loughborough University, which has designed a new stable material mixture for lithium-metal anode lithium-oxygen batteries.
The lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) battery (or lithium-air battery), which consists of Li metal and a porous conductive skeleton as electrodes, releases energy from the reaction of oxygen in air with lithium. This emerging technology has a much higher energy storage potential than the conventional lithium-ion battery.
In a study published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, Laurence Hardwick, Professor of Renewable Energy at the University of Liverpool, and colleagues have identified and developed electrolyte formulations that minimise side reactions and allow cycle stability.
According to the study’s lead author, Dr Alex Neale, a Hardwick fellow in Liverpool, the research shows that the reactivity of certain electrolyte components can be switched off by precisely controlling the ratio of the components. He explained, “The ability to accurately formulate the electrolyte using readily available, low volatility components has allowed us to specifically tailor an electrolyte to the needs of metal-air battery technology that has significantly improved cycle stability and functionality.”
“Li-O2 batteries have an extremely high theoretical specific energy, so the realisation of a practical and truly rechargeable Li-O2 device can outperform state-of-the-art lithium-ion cells at a fraction of the theoretical capacity. However, one of the main technological barriers to development is the stability of Li-O2 cell materials. If the stability and performance of Li-O2 batteries can be optimised, Li-O2 devices could significantly increase the range of electric aircraft, for example,” added Dr Pooja Goddard, from the Department of Chemistry at Loughborough University.
Much work remains to be done to improve the stability of the cathode materials, but the breakthrough represents a major milestone for the future of energy storage, as Li-O2 cells are expected to have up to ten times the charging capacity of current batteries.
More articles you may be interested in...
Drones News & Articles
The hydrogen-powered military drone is launched
Drones News & Articles
Delivery by drones in 2025
Picture this: you’re sipping your morning coffee, glancing out the window, when a faint buzz cuts through the air. A sleek, winged machine hovers above your backyard, drops a package with pinpoint accuracy, and zips off into the horizon. No delivery van, no traffic jams just a drone doing its...>>>...READ MORE
EVTOL & VTOL News & Articles
Archer Aviation and Palantir Technologies unite to forge the AI-driven future of aviation
On March 13, 2025, a groundbreaking collaboration was unveiled in Santa Clara, California, as Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) and...>>>...READ MORE
News & Articles Propulsion-Fuel
Evolution and Implications of Battery Charging Technology for evtol and Electric Aircraft in 2025
Additional aircraft News & Articles
Bio-inspired drone technology: pioneering Mars exploration
EVTOL & VTOL News & Articles
Evolution of eVTOLs and electric aircraft in 2025: A comprehensive analysis
EVTOL & VTOL News & Articles
Joby and Virgin Atlantic announce groundbreaking partnership
News & Articles Points of interest
Artificial intelligence outperforms human pilots in simulated air combat
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming military technology, with significant advancements in autonomous combat systems...>>>...READ MORE
moreFlying Cars News & Articles
Will we have flying cars before fully self-driving cars ?
EVTOL & VTOL News & Articles
EHang: Record Growth and Breakthrough in Urban Air Mobility – A Detailed Analysis of 2024 Financial Results
EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH), the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology platform company, reported exceptional financial and operational results for the fourth quarter (Q4) and fiscal year (FY) 2024. The company’s performance reflects significant progress in scaling production, securing regulatory approvals, and expanding...>>>...READ MORE
Electric airplane News & Articles
The technological evolution of electric aircraft: what can we expect by 2025 ?
News & Articles Propulsion-Fuel
Electric motor development: new materials and efficiency-enhancing technologies
Drones News & Articles
Drones and artificial intelligence: a new era of agricultural decision-making
Picture this: a farmer steps out onto his porch at dawn, coffee in hand, and...>>>...READ MORE
moreDrones News & Articles
BYD and DJI create a car with a drone
BYD, in collaboration with drone industry leader DJI, has unveiled an innovative feature that integrates a drone directly into an electric vehicle, offering a new dimension of driving experience. This breakthrough technology, known as the Ling Yuan system, allows drivers and passengers to track their journey from the air, enhancing...>>>...READ MORE