Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mphil-in-micro-and-nanotechnology-enterprise-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2020/paper-1/section-b/12/i/c/solution

Two electrons are transferred per formula unit of Li2O2. Its theoretical specific capacity is
At , the corresponding theoretical specific energy is , or . The mass basis is Li2O2, equivalently the combined stoichiometric masses of consumed Li and O2; a value normalized to Li metal alone would be different.
A real lithium-air battery also includes electrolyte, porous positive-electrode support, separator, current collectors, excess reactants, packaging and possibly oxygen treatment. Insulating Li2O2 can block pores and electron transport, limiting utilization; polarization, electrolyte decomposition, moisture/CO2 contamination and parasitic reactions lower useful voltage and reversible capacity. A lithium-ion battery instead shuttles Li ions between pre-existing host electrodes, generally in a closed cell without consuming atmospheric oxygen; the oxygen/peroxide reaction and its mass/transport requirements make the Li-air mechanism distinct.

New to topics? Read the docs here!