Recent Progress in Developing a LiOH‐Based Reversible Nonaqueous Lithium–Air Battery

Abstract The realization of practical nonaqueous lithium–air batteries (LABs) calls for novel strategies to address their numerous theoretical and technical challenges. LiOH formation/decomposition has recently been proposed as a promising alternative route to cycling LABs via Li₂O₂. Herein, the progress in developing LiOH‐based nonaqueous LABs is reviewed. Various catalytic systems, either soluble or solid‐state, that can activate a LiOH‐based electrochemistry are compared in detail, with emphasis in providing an updated understanding of the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in nonaqueous media. We identify the key factors that can switch the cell chemistry between Li₂O₂ and LiOH and highlight the debate around these routes, as well as rationalize potential causes for these opposing opinions. The identities of the reaction intermediates, activity of redox mediators and additives, location of reaction interfaces, causes of parasitic reactions, as well as the effect of CO₂ on the LiOH electrochemistry, all play a critical role in altering the relative rates of a series of interconnected reactions and all warrant further investigation.