Polymer Chemistry

Biography

Biography: Giuseppe Antonio Elia

Abstract

The replacement of the combustion-engine by sustainable electric or hybrid vehicles, may effectively limit environmental issues such as the global warming greenhouse-gas emission and pollution . Lithium-ion battery represents the most promising candidate as power source for electric vehicle, due to its high energy density, conventionally of about 180 Wh kg^-1, that may assure a driving range of 150 km by single charge . Increased energy, theoretically evaluated in the order of 1000 Wh kg^-1, can be granted by the lithium oxygen system. The applicability of lithium air batteries is limited by several drawbacks, such as the poor electrolyte stability, the short cycle life and the low energy efficiency due to high charge-discharge polarization . A deep knowledge of the lithium-oxygen reaction mechanism and the identification of a stable electrolyte play important role fundamental to allow the practical application of the system. Besides the conventional system employing liquid electrolytes , solid state lithium oxygen batteries employing polymer electrolyte are attracting much attention. The employment of a polymer electrolyte greatly hinder the safety concerns associated to the reactivity of the lithium metal. Furthermore, the replacement of the reactive lithium metal, by an alternative and safe anode material, greatly enhances the safety level of the lithium oxygen cell system. The use of the polymer membrane as well as the replacement of lithium metal by a safe Li-alloying electrode are considered valid strategies suitable for the practical improvement of lithium-ion oxygen battery with increased safety content and enhanced electrochemical performances