The pursuit of rechargeable non-aqueous lithium–oxygen battery cathodes

To satisfy the energy storage needs of society in the long-term, an advance in battery energy density is required. The lithium–oxygen battery is one of the emerging opportunities available for enhanced energy storage. The challenge for the Li–O2 battery is the progress of development of the O2-cathode that allows reversible formation of Li2O2 in a stable electrolyte within its pores.

► The Li–O2 cell is a promising future technology for high energy storage applications.
► Reversible formation of Li2O2 represents one of the major current challenges.
► Review highlights the importance of analytical techniques, such as FTIR and DEMS.
► Major gaps in fundamental knowledge of the Li–O2 cell remain.