Improving the True Cycling of Redox Mediators-assisted Li-O_(2) Batteries

The application of redox mediators has been considered as a promising strategy to boost the performance of aprotic Li-O_(2)batteries.However,the issues brought with redox mediators,especially on the Li anode side have been overlooked.Here,we propose a facile approach of preparing a gel polymer membrane that not only allow uniform Li plating/stripping withlarge current densities over extended cycling but also inhibit the diffusion of redox mediators and avoid redox shuttling,self-discharge,and internal shortcircuiting.More importantly,the gel polymer membrane prevents the penetration of O_(2)and superoxide intermediates from the Li anode.Therefore,it ensures the successful application of both lithium anode and redox mediators in Li-O_(2)batteries to achieve the desired high capacity and rate performance.Meanwhile,it helps understand the benefit and problems of added redox mediators and reactive oxygen species so that theperformance of such Li-O_(2)batteries can be truly evaluated.