CxNy particles@N-doped porous graphene: a novel cathode catalyst with a remarkable cyclability for Li–O2 batteries. Issue 26 (27th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Aiming; Shen, Shuiyun; Yan, Xiaohui; Xia, Guofeng; Zhang, Yao; Zhu, Fengjuan; Zhang, Junliang
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 10:Issue 26(2018)
• Page Start: 12763
• Page End: 12770
• Publication Date: 2018-06-27
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c8nr01049h
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : C x N y particles@N-doped porous graphene is an efficient, durable and bi-functional cathode catalyst for Li–O2 batteries. Abstract : Despite the intrinsic advantages of ultra-high theoretical capacity and energy density of lithium–O2 batteries, there remain several critical issues to be resolved, especially the two concerning poor cyclability and rate capability. In this work, C x N y particles@N-doped porous graphene (C x N y @NPG) with a novel three-dimensional architecture is successfully synthesized via a simple template method and employed as the cathode catalyst of Li–O2 batteries. It is surprisingly found that the as-synthesized C x N y @NPG cathode not only demonstrates a remarkable cycling performance of 200 cycles at 1000 mA g −1 but also an intriguing high-rate capability with 8892 mA h g −1 at 1000 mA g −1, both of which can be attributed to a synergistic effect between the unique 3D porous structure and an effective N-doping. Specifically, it is believed that the unique porous 3D structure will, on one hand, build numerous microchannels, thus facilitating rapid O2 diffusion, and on the other hand, provide sufficient storage space to accommodate adequate discharge products. Indispensably, it is also believed that the N-doped porous graphene enables improved bifunctional catalytic activities towards both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), thus decreasing the discharge/charge overpotential, and reducing undesired side reactions. It is anticipated that the new 3D porous C x N y @NPG provides an inspiring route to design long cycling and high-rate performance cathodes for Li–O2 batteries.