A 3D hierarchical porous Co3O4 nanotube network as an efficient cathode for rechargeable lithium–oxygen batteries. Issue 28 (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Lili; Guo, Haipeng; Hou, Yuyang; Wang, Jun; Fu, Lijun; Chen, Jun; Liu, Huakun; Wang, Jiazhao; Wu, Yuping
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 5:Issue 28(2017)
• Page Start: 14673
• Page End: 14681
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/c7ta03553e
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7488

Abstract

Abstract : Three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical porous Co3 O4 nanotube (HPNT) network demonstrates superior bifunctional electrocatalytic activities for lithium–oxygen batteries. Abstract : Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical porous Co3 O4 nanotube (Co3 O4 HPNT) network was prepared using a polypyrrole nanofiber (PPyNF) as a sacrificial template. When employed as a cathode for lithium–oxygen batteries, the 3D Co3 O4 HPNT network demonstrated superior bifunctional electrocatalytic activities towards both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), with a relatively low charge overpotential of 99 mV and a high discharge/charge capacity of 4164/4299 mA h g −1 . High-resolution scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements on Co3 O4 HPNT-based cathode after discharge/recharge showed reversible formation and decomposition of Li2 O2 . This superior performance is ascribed to the 3D web-like porous tubular structure, which facilitates rapid oxygen flow, provides enough void volume for insoluble Li2 O2 deposition, and increases the catalytic utilization of Co3 O4 . Moreover, the hierarchical porous structure with meso-/nanopores on the walls of the Co3 O4 nanotubes facilitates O2 diffusion, electrolyte penetration, and mass transport of all the reactants.