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Title: A Mo 2 C/Carbon Nanotube Composite Cathode for Lithium–Oxygen Batteries with High Energy Efficiency and Long Cycle Life

Journal Article · · ACS Nano
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  1. Department of Energy Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 133-791, Republic of Korea

Although lithium-oxygen batteries are attracting considerable attention because of potential for extremely high energy density, their practical use has been restricted due to a low energy efficiency and poor cycle life compared to lithium-ion batteries. Here we present a nanostructured cathode based on molybdenum carbide nanoparticles (Mo2C) dispersed on carbon nanotubes (CNT), which dramatically increase the electrical efficiency up to 88 % with a cycle life of more than 100 cycles. We found that the Mo2C nanoparticle catalysts contribute to the formation of a well-dispersed lithium peroxide nanolayers (Li2O2) on the Mo2C/CNTs with large contact area during oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This Li2O2 structure can be decomposed at low potential upon oxygen evolution reaction (OER) by avoiding the energy loss associated with the decomposition of the typical Li2O2 discharge products.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Vehicle Technologies Office (EE-3V); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
1392114
Journal Information:
ACS Nano, Vol. 9, Issue 4; ISSN 1936-0851
Publisher:
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English