Triggering ambient polymer-based Li-O2 battery via photo-electro-thermal synergy

Abstract

The limited stability and the excessive dependence on external heating sources restrict the development of polymer-based solid-state Li-O2 batteries. Herein, we propose a multifunctional composed cathode with the photo-electro-thermal synergy to achieve a PEO-based solid-state Li-O2 (PSS Li-O2) battery operating at room temperature. The multifunctional composed cathode consists of the traditional black TiO2 photocatalyst and carbon cloth (b-TiO2/CC). The b-TiO2/CC harvests a full spectrum of sunlight, besides the photo-generated electrons and holes enhancing reaction kinetics during discharging and charging processes, though converting solar energy into heat to achieve self-heated replace on external. The photo-electro-thermal synergy-triggered PSS Li-O2 battery establishes a low overpotential of 0.26 V and long durability of up to 90 cycles, which is a breakthrough for PEO-based Li-O2 batteries operating at room temperature. A flexible PSS Li-O2 battery is constructed and exhibits superior flexibility and mechanical stability. The mechanism of the photo-electro-thermal synergy provides a new strategy for PSS Li-O2 batteries and advances the high-efficiency utilization of solar energy in portable devices.