H2O wash: a simple method toward eliminating discharge products and regenerating cathodes of Li–O2 batteries. Issue 24 (2nd December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Iputera, Kevin; Fu, Yu-Lin; Li, Lidong; Hu, Shu-Fen; Wei, Da-Hua; Liu, Ru-Shi
• Is Part Of: Green chemistry. Volume 24:Issue 24(2022)
• Page Start: 9755
• Page End: 9762
• Publication Date: 2022-12-02
• Subjects: Environmental chemistry -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1039/d2gc01817a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-9262

Abstract

Abstract : Li–O2 batteries have been the focus of research for decades. However, there are only few studies on the recycle of Li–O2 batteries. Herein, we provide a facile H2 O wash method which could revive air cathodes with ease. Abstract : The development of air cathodes for Li–O2 batteries is extensively studied, but focus on recycling Li–O2 batteries is still limited. Usually, the final death of Li–O2 batteries is caused by the accumulation of discharge products (Li2 O2 ) on air cathodes which cannot be decomposed. Herein, we report an H2 O-wash method that could regenerate air cathodes and pretreat them for air-cathode characterization. We successfully regenerated two kinds of air cathodes for at least five rounds without capacity fading. The structural and chemical/electrochemical changes of air cathodes could be easily observed owing to the removal of discharge products. Volume expansion and functionalized carbon were observed after regeneration. Finally, the used air cathodes could be utilized for CO2 capture, thereby reducing the impact of CO2 emission. This study aims to show that Li–O2 batteries can not only serve as a device of high energy density but also as a solution to a greener future.