Highly conductive doped carbon framework as binder-free cathode for hybrid Li-O2 battery. (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nong, Juan; Xie, Pu; Zhu, Ao Sheng; Rong, Min Zhi; Zhang, Ming Qiu
• Is Part Of: Carbon. Volume 142(2019)
• Page Start: 177
• Page End: 189
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: Lithium-oxygen batteries -- Polyaniline -- Three-dimensional carbon frameworks -- Bifunctional oxygen catalyst -- Morphology-controlled solid-state pyrolysis; Carbon -- Periodicals; Carbone -- Périodiques; Koolstof; Toepassingen; Electronic journals; 546.681
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2018.10.045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-6223

Abstract

Abstract: Nitrogen doped carbon materials have been found to be a capable oxygen electrocatalyst for low-cost and highly durable metal-oxygen batteries. However, it is still a challenge to associate the precise working mechanism with their molecular structure, specific surface area and conductivity. By using first-principles calculations and experimental studies, for the first time, we clarify the higher catalyst activity of pyridinic-N than graphitic-N in highly conductive and porous carbon framework. Accordingly, an ultrahigh conductive three-dimensional doped carbon framework that consists of networked and hollow pipelines with nanometer-thick walls is prepared. Benefiting from such a unique structure, the as-made carbon framework as binder-free cathode for hybrid Li-O2 battery delivers 150 cycles at 1 A g −1 on deep (dis)charge. More importantly, based on the total mass of pyridinic nitrogen doped carbon framework, the capacity of the Li-O2 battery containing the binder-free carbon framework cathode amounts to 49.5 Ah g −1 . Graphical abstract: Catalytic activity of pyridinic-N of carbon framework can be improved by enhancing electron mobility and transport paths, and decreasing electron scattering interfaces, as proved by first-principles calculations and experimental studies. Accordingly, a three-dimensional N-doped carbon framework is fabricated via morphology-controlled solid-state pyrolysis of polyaniline foam, which successfully acts as a low-cost and highly catalytic active binder-free air cathode for hybrid electrolyte lithium-oxygen battery. Image 1