title: A structured three-dimensional polymer electrolyte with enlarged active reaction zone for Li-O2 batteries.
abstract: The application of conventional solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) to lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries has suffered from a limited active reaction zone due to thick SPE and subsequent lack of O2 gas diffusion route in the positive electrode. Here we present a new design for a three-dimensional (3-D) SPE structure, incorporating a carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode, adapted for a gas-based energy storage system. The void spaces in the porous CNT/SPE film allow an increased depth of diffusion of O2 gas, providing an enlarged active reaction zone where Li(+) ions, O2 gas, and electrons can interact. Furthermore, the thin SPE layer along the CNT, forming the core/shell nanostructure, aids in the smooth electron transfer when O2 gas approaches the CNT surface. Therefore, the 3-D CNT/SPE electrode structure enhances the capacity in the SPE-based Li-O2 cell. However, intrinsic instability of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) of the SPE matrix to superoxide (O2(·-)) and high voltage gives rise to severe side reactions, convincing us of the need for development of a more stable electrolyte for use in this CNT/SPE design.
authors.affiliation: Byon Initiative Research Unit (IRU), RIKEN, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
authors.forename: Nadège
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bonnet-Mercier
authors.affiliation: 1] Byon Initiative Research Unit (IRU), RIKEN, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan [2] Department of Energy Sciences, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8502, Japan.
authors.forename: Raymond A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.affiliation: Byon Initiative Research Unit (IRU), RIKEN, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
authors.forename: Morgan L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: Byon Initiative Research Unit (IRU), RIKEN, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
authors.forename: Arghya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dutta
authors.affiliation: Synchrotron Radiation Center, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan.
authors.forename: Keisuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yamanaka
authors.affiliation: Synchrotron Radiation Center, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan.
authors.forename: Chihiro
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yogi
authors.affiliation: Synchrotron Radiation Center, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan.
authors.forename: Toshiaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ohta
authors.affiliation: Byon Initiative Research Unit (IRU), RIKEN, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
authors.forename: Hye Ryung
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Byon