The goal of this research is to explore the synergistic use of oxygen anion and lithium cation conducting materials in a novel high-temperature lithium/air fuel cell. This approach aims to achieve an exceptional energy density (>4500 Wh kg?¹) while overcoming the limitations of conventional low-temperature Li/air battery systems. Previous designs suffer from air contamination issues and the formation of Li2O2, which leads to corrosion and device failure. By operating above 150°C, a high-temperature fuel cell utilizing a solid-state oxygen anion conductor can directly convert lithium into Li2O, the thermodynamically stable product, eliminating the need for air purification and enhancing long-term stability. Critical research areas include understanding material degradation at elevated temperatures, identifying chemically robust oxygen anion and lithium cation conductors, and developing mechanically resilient, high-conductivity solid-state architectures. This investigation will integrate computational modeling, advanced laboratory experimentation, and additive manufacturing techniques to optimize fuel cell performance and durability.

Literature References

1) K. W. Semkow and A. F. Sammells, “A lithium oxygen secondary battery,” J. Electrochem. Soc., vol. 134, no. 8A, 1987.

2) G. McConohy, D. Kim, and J.-H. Lee, “A High Temperature Lithium Metal-Air Primary Battery Based on Solid Electrolytes and Molten Salt,” ChemRxiv, 2021, doi: 10.26434/chemrxiv-2021-4mw4j.

3) L. G. Johnson, “High Temperature Lithium Air Battery,” U.S. Patent Application, US 2022/0216539 A1, Jul. 7, 2022.

key words

fuel cell; Lithium; Lithium-alloy; lithium air; Cathode; Computational chemistry; high temperature

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants