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Solid electrolytes are key to the evolution of all-solid-state lithium batteries as next-generation energy storage systems. High ionic conductivity and stability of solid electrolytes are critical requirements for designing reliable all-solid-state lithium batteries. Perovskite-type lithium lanthanum titanates Li3xLa(2/3)−x□(1/3)−2xTiO3 (LLTOs) have received much attention as a potential inorganic solid electrolyte to replace current organic liquid electrolytes; however, the practical use of LLTOs is limited by their low total conductivity. With the aim of improving the ionic conductivity, we investigated a correlation between the microstructures and Li+ conducting properties of LLTO perovskites. We show that the total conductivity of LLTOs is dominated by the domain boundary resistance, and the synthesis condition of the electrolyte (sintering temperature and Li concentration) has a crucial role in modifying the microstructure and composition of the domain boundaries to significantly reduce the boundary resistance. By controlling the sintering temperature and Li content, in particular, a total Li+ conductivity as high as 4.8 × 10−4 S cm−1 can be achieved at room temperature. The findings of this study would be essential in understanding Li+ conducting behaviors and in developing highly conductive perovskite-type LLTO solid electrolytes.

Lithium–air battery (LAB) technology is currently being considered as a future technology for resolving energy and environmental issues. During the last decade, much effort has been devoted to realizing state-of-the-art LABs, and remarkable scientific advances have been made in this research field. Although LABs possess great potential for efficient energy storage applications, there are still various technical limitations to be overcome before the full transition. It has been well recognized that the battery performance of LABs is mainly governed by the electrochemical reactions that occur on the surface of the cathode. Thus, the rational design of highly reliable cathodes is essential for building high-performance LABs. In this respect, we introduce recent advances in the development of LABs, particularly focusing on the cathodes based on a fundamental understanding of Li–O2 electrochemistry. Furthermore, we review the remaining technical challenges in order to formulate a strategy for future research and consolidate Li–O2 electrochemistry for successful implementation of LABs in the near future.

Herein, we report the catalytic activities of porous nano-crystalline oxides with surface active sites synthesized by a wet chemical route. Zr doped ceria (ZDC) has been tested as active oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts in air electrodes for Li–O2 batteries. A ZDC-based air electrode exhibits a higher discharge capacity than that of a bare carbon-based air electrode. ZDC loaded in carbon air electrodes delivers a discharge capacity of 8435 mA h g−1. The higher discharge voltages of Li–O2 cells with ZDC, instead of bare carbon, could have originated from the higher oxygen reduction activity of ZDC. These oxides show a lower potential for Li2O2 oxidation than pure carbon. A significant increase in the kinetics for Li2O2 oxidation indicates the influence of the ZDC catalyst on the oxygen evolution reaction. The ORR and OER properties of the catalyst are explained in terms of the high fraction of active defect sites on its surface.