IBM's Lithium-Air concept design relies on the electricity released when the metal reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere.
Efforts in Li-air batteries have focused on four different chemical designs. All the designs have distinct advantages and significant associated technological challenges. It remains to be seen which design will become the standard for Li-air batteries of tomorrow.
1) Aprotic 2) Aqueous 3) Mixed aqueous/aprotic 4) Solid State
There are many challenges facing the design of Li-air batteries, which currently limits their use to the laboratory. One of the largest challenges lies in keeping the battery protected from the environment. Atmospheric oxygen must be present at the cathode, but the cathode can be degraded by humidity.
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