Disproportionation in Li-O{sub 2} Batteries Based on a Large Surface Area Carbon Cathode
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division
In this paper we report on a kinetics study of the discharge process and its relationship to the charge overpotential in a Li-O{sub 2} cell for large surface area cathode material. The kinetics study reveals evidence for a first-order disproportionation reaction during discharge from an oxygen-rich Li{sub 2}O{sub 2} component with superoxide-like character to a Li{sub 2}O{sub 2} component. The oxygen-rich superoxide-like component has a much smaller potential during charge (3.2-3.5 V) than the Li{sub 2}O{sub 2} component (similar to 4.2 V). The formation of the superoxide-like component is likely due to the porosity of the activated carbon used in the Li-O{sub 2} cell cathode that provides a good environment for growth during discharge. The discharge product containing these two components is characterized by toroids, which are assemblies of nanoparticles. The morphologic growth and decomposition process of the toroids during the reversible discharge/charge process was observed by scanning electron microscopy and is consistent with the presence of the two components in the discharge product. The results of this study provide new insight into how growth conditions control the nature of discharge product, which can be used to achieve improved performance in Li-O{sub 2} cell.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States); Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Transportation Office. Vehicle Technologies Office; Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-06CH11357
- OSTI ID:
- 1115910
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/MSD/JA-77520
- Journal Information:
- Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol. 135, Issue 41 ; 2013
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- ENGLISH
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