N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone as a solvent for the non-aqueous electrolyte of rechargeable Li-air batteries

► NMP shows increased chemical stability to superoxide radical. ► LiO2 is instable and can decompose to Li2O2 in Li-containing NMP based electrolyte. ► Li2O2 can decompose at high potential and Au could catalyse this procedure. ► Cells with NMP based electrolytes shows good cyclic performance. ► Selection of binders is important to avoid decomposition of NMP on air electrode.