Protected lithium electrodes with protective membrane having a garnet like structure and lithium battery cells thereof

Abstract

Li/air battery cells are configurable to achieve very high energy density. The cells include a protected a lithium metal or alloy anode and an aqueous catholyte in a cathode compartment. In addition to the aqueous catholyte, components of the cathode compartment include an air cathode (e.g., oxygen electrode) and a variety of other possible elements.

1 . A protected lithium electrode comprising:
 a lithium anode, and   a protective membrane architecture, comprising,   a substantially impervious lithium ion conducting membrane having a first and second surface, the membrane comprising a lithium ion conducting oxide having a garnet like structure.   
     
     
         2 . The protected lithium electrode of  claim 1  wherein the lithium anode is lithium metal. 
     
     
         3 . The protected lithium electrode of  claim 1  wherein the lithium anode is a lithium metal alloy. 
     
     
         4 . The protected lithium electrode of  claim 1  wherein the lithium anode is a lithium intercalation material. 
     
     
         5 . The protected lithium electrode of  claim 1  wherein the oxide having a garnet-like structure comprising Zr as an elemental constituent. 
     
     
         6 . The protected lithium electrode of  claim 1  wherein the mole ratio of Li/O in the oxide having a garnet-like structure is selected from the group consisting of 7/12, 6/12 and 5/12. 
     
     
         7 . The protected lithium electrode of  claim 1  wherein the oxide having a garnet-like structure is Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 . 
     
     
         8 . The protected lithium electrode of  claim 1  wherein the membrane first surface directly contacts the lithium metal anode. 
     
     
         9 . The protected lithium electrode of  claim 1  wherein the lithium metal anode comprises lithium metal. 
     
     
         10 . A battery cell comprising the protected lithium electrode of  claim 1  combined with a cathode compartment. 
     
     
         11 . The battery cell of  claim 10  wherein the cathode compartment comprises a liquid electrolyte that does not contact the lithium anode.