Nanostructured metal carbides for aprotic Li-O2 batteries. New insights into interfacial reactions and cathode stability

Kundu, Dipan; Black, Robert; Adams, Brian; Harrison, Katharine; Zavadil, Kevin R.; Nazar, Linda F.

doi:10.1021/acs.jpclett.5b00721

Nanostructured metal carbides for aprotic Li-O₂ batteries. New insights into interfacial reactions and cathode stability

Journal Article · Fri May 01 00:00:00 EDT 2015 · Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.5b00721· OSTI ID:1235282

Kundu, Dipan ^[1]; Black, Robert ^[1]; Adams, Brian ^[1]; Harrison, Katharine ^[2]; Zavadil, Kevin R. ^[2]; Nazar, Linda F. ^[1]

Univ. of Waterloo, ON (Canada)
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

The development of nonaqueous Li–oxygen batteries, which relies on the reversible reaction of Li + O₂ to give lithium peroxide (Li₂O₂), is challenged by several factors, not the least being the high charging voltage that results when carbon is typically employed as the cathode host. We report here on the remarkably low 3.2 V potential for Li₂O₂ oxidation on a passivated nanostructured metallic carbide (Mo₂C), carbon-free cathode host. Furthermore, online mass spectrometry coupled with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy unequivocally demonstrates that lithium peroxide is simultaneously oxidized together with the Li_xMoO₃-passivated conductive interface formed on the carbide, owing to their close redox potentials. We found that the process rejuvenates the surface on each cycle upon electrochemical charge by releasing Li_xMoO₃ into the electrolyte, explaining the low charging potential.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES) (SC-22)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC04-94AL85000

OSTI ID:: 1235282

Report Number(s):: SAND--2015-4343J; 590459

Journal Information:: Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, Journal Name: Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 6; ISSN 1948-7185

Publisher:: American Chemical SocietyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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