A lithium-air electrochemical cell is provided. The battery comprises: an anode compartment; a cathode compartment; and a lithium ion conductive membrane separating the anode compartment from the cathode compartment. The anode compartment comprises an anode having lithium or a lithium alloy as active metal and a lithium ion electrolyte, while the cathode compartment comprises an air electrode and an ionic liquid capable of supporting the reduction of oxygen. A lithium ion concentration in the cathode compartment is such that the lithium ion concentration is greatest at the lithium ion selective membrane and lowest at the cathode.