A Cost-Effective 3D-Printed prototype cell for reproducible Li-O2 battery testing
摘要
The study of Li-O2 batteries presents reproducibility challenges among different research groups due to the numerous possible parameters in cell design. Key operational variables significantly influence electrochemical performance: oxygen pressure affects reagent availability, the applied current impacts Li2O2 formation and decomposition, and the electrolyte composition is crucial in optimizing efficiency, stability, and lifespan. Despite the significance of this research, the limited availability of lab-scale cells hinders the development of Li-O2 batteries. Commercially available lab models utilize high-strength, high-quality materials and feature complex designs, which restricts the exploration of new configurations and slows technological progress. In this study, a prototype cell based on the open coin cell concept was designed for Li-O2 battery research, aiming to diminish costs, improve the reproducibility of electrochemical tests, and enable use by other research groups with access to a resin 3D printer. Its performance was evaluated against a commercial cell under identical experimental conditions, yielding similar results in both. The prototype enabled the evaluation of critical parameters, including current density and oxygen pressure. Using a redox mediator, a current density of 0.1 mA cm− 2, and an O2 pressure of 5 bar, the Li-O2 battery cycled for over 30 cycles, achieving cyclability similar to those reported for similar batteries. These findings highlight the significance of pressure and current density in Li-O2 battery performance, demonstrating the viability of the new prototype as a cost-effective tool for further research.
Graphical Abstract