Pd nanoparticles on ZnO-passivated porous carbon by atomic layer deposition: an effective electrochemical catalyst for Li-O 2 battery
Uniformly dispersed Pd nanoparticles on ZnO-passivated porous carbon were synthesized via an atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique, which was tested as a cathode material in a rechargeable Li-O-2 battery, showing a highly active catalytic effect toward the electrochemical reactions-in particular, the oxygen evolution reaction. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed discrete crystalline nanoparticles decorating the surface of the ZnO-passivated porous carbon support in which the size could be controlled in the range of 3-6 nm, depending on the number of Pd ALD cycles performed. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the Pd Kedge revealed that the carbon-supported Pd existed in a mixed phase of metallic palladium and palladium oxide. The ZnO-passivated layer effectively blocks the defect sites on the carbon surface, minimizing the electrolyte decomposition. Our results suggest that ALD is a promising technique for tailoring the surface composition and structure of nanoporous supports for Li-O-2 batteries.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) - Office of Vehicle Technology; University of Alabama – Huntsville; USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-06CH11357
- OSTI ID:
- 1391925
- Journal Information:
- Nanotechnology, Vol. 26, Issue 16; ISSN 0957-4484
- Publisher:
- IOP Publishing
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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