Protective PVDF-HFP-based membranes for air de-hydration at the cathode of the rechargeable Li–air cell

Nonaqueous electrolyte Li–air batteries with an O 2 -selective membrane at the cathode are developed for operation in ambient air at constant relative humidity (RH). The membrane allows for oxygen permeation and acts as a moisture barrier. Our group prepared highly hydrophobic films of poly(vinylidene fluoride co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) via nonsolvent-induced phase separation. The addition of sacrificial silica nanoparticles (SiO 2 NPs) to the precursor polymer solution increased the surface roughness of the casted membrane. Subsequent SiO 2 NPs removal created a homogeneous porous network inside the membrane in which the silicone oil was trapped. The silicone oil accomplished the role of O 2 -selective medium. The Li–air cell with the oxygen-selective membrane forwarded capacities of 640 mA h g −1 , at the discharge current density of 0.05 mA cm −2 , in air (17 % RH). Under the same experimental conditions, but without the membrane at the cathode, the Li–air cell delivered a capacity of 220 mA h g −1 . We demonstrate that the main cause of the unsatisfactory behaviour of the unprotected cell is the corrosion of the Li anode in the presence of water, although the cathode is also sensitive to CO 2 . The galvanostatic discharge–charge tests, in the capacity-controlled mode, confirmed the effectiveness of the membrane in protecting the Li–air cell in ambient air, assuring a cycle life comparable to that in dry oxygen atmosphere. Graphical Abstract