A nanostructured cathode architecture for low charge overpotential in lithium-oxygen batteries

作者：Lu, Jun; Lei, Yu; Lau, Kah Chun; Luo, Xiangyi; Du, Peng; Wen, Jianguo; Assary, Rajeev S.; Das, Ujjal; Miller, Dean J.; Elam, Jeffrey W.; Albishri, Hassan M.; Abd El-Hady, D.; Sun, Yang-Kook^*; Curtiss, Larry A.; Amine, Khalil

来源：Nature Communications, 2013, 4(1): 2383.

DOI：10.1038/ncomms3383

• ATOMIC LAYER DEPOSITION
• AIR BATTERIES
• LI-O-2
• ELECTRODE

The lithium-oxygen battery, of much interest because of its very high-energy density, presents many challenges, one of which is a high-charge overpotential that results in large inefficiencies. Here we report a cathode architecture based on nanoscale components that results in a dramatic reduction in charge overpotential to similar to 0.2 V. The cathode utilizes atomic layer deposition of palladium nanoparticles on a carbon surface with an alumina coating for passivation of carbon defect sites. The low charge potential is enabled by the combination of palladium nanoparticles attached to the carbon cathode surface, a nanocrystalline form of lithium peroxide with grain boundaries, and the alumina coating preventing electrolyte decomposition on carbon. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy provides evidence for the nanocrystalline form of lithium peroxide. The new cathode material architecture provides the basis for future development of lithium-oxygen cathode materials that can be used to improve the efficiency and to extend cycle life.

• 出版日期2013-8