Lithium-air battery made a major breakthrough
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August 02 12:48:00, 2025
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Sandia National Laboratories have made significant strides in the development of lithium-air batteries, a breakthrough that has been highly anticipated in the energy storage field. Their recent study sheds new light on the electrochemical processes involved during the charging of these batteries, offering valuable insights into how they might be improved.
According to a report from Spectrum.ieee.org on May 18, lithium-air batteries have the potential to offer five to ten times the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries. This promising technology has sparked hope that it could eventually enable electric vehicles to transition from a niche market to a mainstream option, making them more competitive with traditional gasoline-powered cars.
[Image: A diagram illustrating the structure of a lithium-air battery]
Electric vehicles continue to capture media attention, with models like the Tesla Model S recently receiving top marks in consumer reviews. While features such as a 425 km range and long charging times are impressive, they still fall short of what many drivers expect from fossil-fueled vehicles—such as a 650 km range and a two-minute refueling time. For all-electric vehicles to truly compete, battery technology must advance significantly.
Although lithium-ion batteries have seen continuous improvements over the years, some experts argue that their initial use may not have been the best choice for long-term performance. To match the energy density of fossil fuels, batteries need to reach around 1,000 Wh/kg. Current lithium-ion batteries max out at about 400 Wh/kg, even with advancements. Former U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu once emphasized that for batteries to rival internal combustion engines, their capacity would need to increase six to seven times.
This is where lithium-air batteries come in—they theoretically offer ten times the energy density of lithium-ion batteries. However, despite their promise, they remain largely confined to controlled lab environments, with real-world applications still presenting major challenges.
In a recent paper published in *Nano Letters* by the American Chemical Society, MIT and Sandia researchers used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate one of the key obstacles in lithium-air battery development: the oxygen evolution reaction. They observed the oxidation of lithium peroxide (Liâ‚‚Oâ‚‚), a byproduct formed during battery discharge.
The study found that lithium peroxide primarily forms at the interface between the battery’s carbon nanotube-based substrate, which can hinder electron flow and slow down charging. However, during charging, the lithium peroxide gradually decreases as electrons pass through the nanotubes. This suggests that improving electron transfer could significantly speed up the charging process.
Jie Xiao, a researcher at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, noted that this study identifies a critical limitation—electron transfer—and highlights how fundamental research can lead to practical solutions. The findings provide important guidance for designing better air electrodes in future lithium-air batteries.
While the research doesn’t yet offer a clear path for commercializing lithium-air batteries outside the lab, it underscores the importance of pursuing technologies that can bring electric vehicles closer to the performance of traditional cars. As battery innovation continues, the dream of a fully competitive electric vehicle market becomes increasingly within reach.