Development of Redox Mediators for High-Energy-Density and High-Efficiency Lithium-Oxygen Batteries (Springer Theses)

This thesis addresses the introduction of redox mediator into lithium-oxygen batteries to improve their electrochemical performance especially in terms of practical energy density and round-trip efficiency. In chapter 1, basic electrochemistry regarding lithium-oxygen batteries and redox mediators are introduced. In chapter 2 to 4, comprehensive researches including the discovery of a new redox mediator inspired by biological system, the investigation on kinetic property of redox mediator, and the prevention of shuttle phenomenon are introduced, followed by chapter 5 summarizing the contents. This thesis is targeted to students and researchers interested in electrochemistry and energy storage systems. Supervisor’s Foreword Preface Parts of this thesis have been published in the following documents: Acknowledgements Contents List of Figures 1 Introduction 1.1 Research Objectives 1.2 Introduction to Lithium–Oxygen Battery 1.3 Principle of Redox Mediators References 2 Exploring a New Redox Mediator Inspired by Biological System 2.1 Research Background 2.2 Experimental Method 2.2.1 Preparation of Cells and Conditions for Electrochemical Tests 2.2.2 Characterization 2.2.3 Quantitative Analysis of Discharge Product 2.3 Result and Discussion 2.4 Concluding Remarks References 3 Investigation on the Kinetic Property of Redox Mediators 3.1 Research Background 3.2 Experimental Method 3.2.1 Preparation of Cell Components and Assembly of Lithium–Oxygen Cells 3.2.2 Conditions for Electrochemical Tests 3.3 Results and Discussions 3.3.1 Concluding Remarks References 4 Addressing Shuttle Phenomena: Anchored Redox Mediator for Sustainable Redox Mediation 4.1 Research Background 4.2 Experimental Method 4.2.1 Synthesis of PTMA 4.2.2 Fabrication of Cell Components 4.2.3 Assembly of Lithium–Oxygen Cell 4.2.4 Conditions for Electrochemical Tests and Materials Characterization 4.3 Results and Discussions 4.4 Supplement Notes 4.4.1 Calculations of Nitroxyl Radical Concentration 4.4.2 Electron Diffusion Phenomenon in PTMA 4.5 Concluding Remarks References 5 Conclusion