An electrolyte partially-wetted cathode improving oxygen diffusion in cathodes of non-aqueous Li–air batteries

An electrolyte partially-wetted cathode for Li–air batteries has been studied in this work. By evaporation of diethyl ether from the organic electrolyte, the cathode is partially filled with electrolyte. Compared to conventional flooded cathodes, a partially wetted cathode allows the gaseous oxygen to penetrate fast into the interior part of the porous cathode for the electrochemical reaction. The effective electrode area for oxygen reduction is increased which enhances the cathode kinetics. Using typical cathode materials, the partially wetted cathodes present a 60% higher discharge capacity at 0.1 mA cm− 2 and one magnitude higher rate capability than the flooded cathode.

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► A partially-wetted cathode is prepared by evaporation of diethyl ether additive.
► The partially wetted cathode provides O2 transport paths and large reaction area.
► The partially-wetted cathode offers higher rate capability than flooded cathode.
► The partially-wetted cathodes present a 60% higher capacity at 0.1 mA cm− 2.