Low-cost iron-based electrocatalysts for high-performance Li–O2 batteries

Abstract

Li–O2 batteries have garnered considerable attention as demands for better energy storage systems continue to increase rapidly. Notably, Li–O2 batteries possess a substantially higher theoretical specific energy than that of conventional Li-ion batteries. However, for Li–O2 batteries to be utilized in various applications, highly efficient cathode catalysts must be developed. This study demonstrates the direct introduction of iron-based catalysts on carbon paper using a simple method, namely, by immersing carbon paper in a Fe precursor-melted solution; this immersed carbon paper is then dried and heated. In a nonaqueous Li–O2 cell, a carbon cathode containing Fe2O3 as a catalyst shows a ∼7% overpotential reduction on average during 40 cycles. Herein, we demonstrate that even introducing approximately 1% Fe2O3 catalyst material could reduce the charging overpotential in a rechargeable Li–O2 cell.