MnOx decorated CeO2 nanorods as cathode catalyst for rechargeable lithium–air batteries

Abstract

An efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the most critical factor influencing the performance of lithium–air batteries. We present MnO_x decorated CeO₂ nanorods as a highly active cathode catalyst for lithium–air batteries fabricated via an in-situ redox reaction. Lithium–air batteries based on MnO_x@CeO₂ catalysts show enhanced electrochemical performances, including high first discharge specific capacity (2617 mA h g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹), low overpotential, good rate capability (up to 400 mA g⁻¹), and cycle stability (only 1.1% voltage loss after 30 cycles of specific capacity limit of 1000 mA h g⁻¹ tested at 200 mA g⁻¹). The improved performance might be attributed to the high catalyst efficiency.