Integrated platinum-fullerene nanocatalyst as efficient cathode kinetic promoter for advanced lithium−oxygen batteries

Abstract

Efficient and robust platinum-carbon electrocatalysts are of great significance for long-term service of high-performance Li–O2 batteries. Herein we developed an ultra-low platinum loading platinum-fullerene electrocatalyst by ultraviolet-assisted method. The catalyst features crystalline platinum nanodots integrated into C60 nano-fullerene matrices (Pt–C60), which demonstrates excellent mass-activity, 28.8 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C catalysts, exhibiting an ultra-low cell overpotential of 0.43 V while maintaining an excellent cycle stability over 150 cycles. XPS and Raman spectra disclose the integrated nature of Pt–C bonding interaction, and computational modeling reveal the improved electrocatalytic activity and cathode reaction kinetics. Comprehensive investigations demonstrate that the synergistic contribution of component and structure in integrated Pt–C60 catalyst is responsible for high-efficiency and long-life of Li–O2 batteries. Notably, Pt–C covalent integrated design provides a paradigm of catalyst engineering for developing high-activity and low-cost Pt/C catalysts, and easy synthesis method allows them to be mass-produced and potentially-used in catalyst fields.