A Li-air fuel cell with recycle aqueous electrolyte for improved stability

A lithium-air fuel cell with a new designed cell structure for improved stability is proposed. The cell consists of two subunits: an energy conversion unit that employs a cation exchange membrane and a reaction-product recycling unit that collects/removes LiOH and thus protects the LISICON plate from corrosion under strong alkaline conditions. The aqueous electrolyte recycling system allows the newly structured Li-air fuel cell to attain higher theoretical energy density, and hence potential application as an alternative energy source for transportation. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.