Electrochemistry of rechargeable lithium–air batteries

Abstract In this chapter, we introduce the fundamental electrochemical analysis of reactions in the nonaqueous Li–air battery in order to apply it to the study of Li–air battery applications. In the presence and absence of the Li + cation, oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are investigated in nonaqueous systems to clarify the electrochemistry that happens on the cathode regarding the charge–discharge processes. The effects of electrolyte solvents and the electrode materials on the ORR and OER are also discussed in detail. Moreover, the correlation between the electrode structure and products morphology is made with the battery performance regarding the charge–discharge capacity, rate performance, and stability. The different electrochemical reaction interface or interphase referring to the material, structure, conductivity, and distribution during charging and discharging processes are also discussed in this chapter.