Abstract
A rechargeable lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) battery is considered as a promising technology for electrochemical energy storage systems because its theoretical energy density is much higher than those of state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries. The cathode (positive electrode) for Li–O2 batteries is made of carbon and polymeric binders; however, these constituents undergo parasitic decomposition reactions during battery operation, which in turn causes considerable performance degradation. Therefore, the rational design of the cathode is necessary for building robust and high-performance Li–O2 batteries. Here, a binder-free carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode surface-modified by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of dual acting RuO2 as an inhibitor–promoter is proposed for rechargeable Li–O2 batteries. RuO2 nanoparticles formed directly on the binder-free CNT electrode by ALD play a dual role to inhibit carbon decomposition and to promote Li2O2 decomposition. The binder-free RuO2/CNT cathode with the unique architecture shows outstanding electrochemical performance as characterized by small voltage gaps (∼0.9 V) as well as excellent cyclability without any signs of capacity decay over 80 cycles.
Highlights
A combined approach for high-performance Li–O2 batteries: A binder-free carbon electrode and atomic layer deposition of RuO2 as an inhibitor–promoter
The surface engineering strategies of carbon mentioned earlier have proven to be effective for improving the cyclability of Li–O2 batteries; the procedures are complicated and timeconsuming in that the two atomic layer deposition (ALD) steps are employed to separately deposit oxides and noble metals
Even though the carbon itself was modified to be more stable, the cathodes for Li–O2 batteries still contain polymeric binders that are prone to degradation in the presence of Li2O2.25–27 For example, the degradation of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) leads to the formation of LiF and Li2CO3 and the passivation of the electrode.[26,27,28]
Summary
A combined approach for high-performance Li–O2 batteries: A binder-free carbon electrode and atomic layer deposition of RuO2 as an inhibitor–promoter. Hyun-Seop Shin,1,2,a Gi Won Seo,3,a Kyoungwoo Kwon,[3] Kyu-Nam Jung,[1] Sang Ick Lee,[4] Eunsoo Choi,[5] Hansung Kim,[2] Jin-Ha Hwang,3,b and Jong-Won Lee6,b 1Energy Efficiency and Materials Research Division, Korea Institute of Energy Research, 152 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34129, South Korea 2Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea 3Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Hongik University, 94 Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04066, South Korea 4Semiconductor Materials Research Center, DNF Co., Ltd., 142 Daehwa-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34366, South Korea 5Department of Civil Engineering, Hongik University, 94 Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04066, South Korea 6Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju 61452, South Korea (Received 16 October 2017; accepted 27 November 2017; published online 27 December 2017)
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