Design Study of a Novel, Semi-Solid Li/O₂ Redox Flow Battery

Here we report about the design optimization of a new battery, a non-aqueous Semi-solid Lithium Redox Flow Air (O₂) Battery (SLRFAB) which operates using a semi-solid organic catholyte. Oxygen Redox Reaction (ORR) takes place at the semi-solid electroactive particles dispersed in the catholyte, avoiding the electrode passivation that usually occurs in a conventional Li/O₂ battery, enhancing the capacity and, in turn, the delivered energy. The results of the galvanostatic tests at different currents and flow rates and the practical prototype energy and power are here reported. We demonstrate that up to 700 Wh kg^-1 and 70 W kg^-1 is achievable by the optimization of the SLRFAB catholyte composition and current collector size. The strategies to reach and overcome such outstanding results are discussed on the basis of the experimental performance of a lab-scale SLRFAB prototype.