Electrochemically Powered Vehicles: Current Possibilities and Investigation of the Li-O2 Electrochemical Reaction on Catalyst Surfaces: Implications for a Metal-Air Battery

Significant research has been underway for many years to develop technologies to electrochemically power vehicles with limited success. Unfortunately, most technologies fail to achieve theoretical performance and/or are prohibitively too expensive for mass marketed vehicles. Most of the issues with electrochemical technologies can ultimately be attributed to materials issues, whether it is cost, durability, or activity. A broad examination of potential electrochemical technologies is provided identifying key materials issues with each. Included are the results of recent research involving lithium-oxygen batteries. The observations from this research have identified the electrochemical product, lithium peroxide, and its properties to be the most pressing material issue for lithium-oxygen battery. A future research vision is proposed counter to the current research trend of electrocatalyst/electrolyte development. The focus will be to understand the formation of lithium peroxide and subsequent control of its electrical properties by attempting to control the structure and morphology of the desired product and reduce parasitic reactions.