A highly efficient and free-standing copper single atoms anchored nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber cathode toward reliable Li–CO2 batteries. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Yunyun; Gong, Hao; Song, Li; Kong, Yulong; Jiang, Cheng; Xue, Hairong; Li, Peng; Huang, Xianli; He, Jianping; Wang, Tao
• Is Part Of: Materials today energy. Volume 25(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Cu-N4 sites -- Free-standing air cathode -- Reversible Li–CO2 batteries -- Long-life stability; Energy development -- Periodicals; Energy industries -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Energy development; Energy industries; Energy policy; Power resources; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtener.2022.100967
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-6069

Abstract

Abstract: In recent years, lithium–carbon dioxide (Li–CO2 ) batteries have received extensive attention due to their high energy density and environmental friendliness. However, the high charging voltage makes it difficult to withstand a large current density, resulting in the low energy efficiency. Herein, nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers with copper single atoms (Cu/NCNF) were developed as free-standing cathodes for Li–CO2 batteries. The Cu/NCNF sample was prepared by electrospinning and two-step heat treatment along with a meteorological deposition method. The electrochemical performances show that the Li–CO2 battery with Cu/NCNF possesses a high specific capacity (14084 mAh/g at a current density of 100 mAh/g), a low polarization of 1.29 V, and a long-life stability of 133 cycles. We believe that the highly spatialized structure of the Cu/NCNF sample can provide considerable storage space for discharge products. The X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy further proves the existence of a Cu–N4 catalytic active center, and the uniformly dispersed Cu–N4 sites had a positive effect on the adsorption and activation of CO2 and could also promote the decomposition of discharge products as the reactive active site. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Cu single atoms are uniformly dispersed on an N-doped carbon nanofiber. Use a copper single-atom modified, free-standing cathode for a Li–CO2 battery. A long-time Li–CO2 battery was achieved with low overpotential and cycle performance.