A room-temperature refuelable lithium, iodine and air battery

Abstract

We demonstrate a new refuelable lithium cell using lithium solvated electron solution (Li-SES) as anolyte and iodine solutions as catholyte. This cell shows a high OCV (~3 V). Unlike conventional rechargeable Li batteries, this kind of cell can be re-fueled in several minutes by replacing the spent liquids. We also show for the first time, that Li-SES/I2 cells which operate at room temperature, can be prepared in a fully discharged state (~0 V OCV) for safe handling, transportation and storage. Li-SES and iodine are then electrochemically generated during charge as is confirmed by UV-VIS and a qualitative test. We have also conducted proof-of-concept tests for an “indirect lithium-air” cell in which iodine is reduced at the cathode and subsequently is catalytically re-oxidized by oxygen dissolved in the catholyte.