Complete Decomposition of Li 2 CO 3 in Li–O 2 Batteries Using Ir/B 4 C as Noncarbon-Based Oxygen Electrode
Incomplete decomposition of Li2CO3 during charge process is a critical barrier for rechargeable Li-O2 batteries. Here we report complete decomposition of Li2CO3 in Li-O2 batteries using ultrafine iridium-decorated boron carbide (Ir/B4C) nanocomposite as oxygen electrode. The systematic investigation on charging the Li2CO3 preloaded Ir/B4C electrode in an ether-based electrolyte demonstrates that Ir/B4C electrode can decompose Li2CO3 with an efficiency close to 100% at below 4.37 V. In contrast, the bare B4C without Ir electrocatalyst can only decompose 4.7% of preloaded Li2CO3. The reaction mechanism of Li2CO3 decomposition in the presence of Ir/B4C electrocatalyst has been further investigated. A Li-O2 battery using Ir/B4C as oxygen electrode material shows highly enhanced cycling stability than that using bare B4C oxygen electrode. These results clearly demonstrate that Ir/B4C is an effecitive oxygen electrode amterial to completely decompose Li2CO3 at relatively low charge voltages and is of significant importance in improving the cycle performanc of aprotic Li-O2 batteries.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US), Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Vehicle Technologies Office (EE-3V)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 1347854
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-121343; 48379; VT1201000
- Journal Information:
- Nano Letters, Journal Name: Nano Letters Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 17; ISSN 1530-6984
- Publisher:
- American Chemical Society
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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