Electronic Modulation Strategies for Enhanced Cathode Catalysis in Lithium-Oxygen Batteries: Challenges, Advancements, and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries have emerged as a promising rechargeable energy storage technology, offering exceptionally high theoretical energy density, which makes them attractive for applications in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and portable devices. Despite their potential, the practical application of Li-O2 batteries is significantly hindered by challenges such as high overpotential, low discharge capacity, poor rate capability, and unstable cycle life. These issues primarily arise from the insulating nature of the discharge product (Li2O2) and the sluggish electrochemical kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Addressing these challenges requires the development of efficient and stable cathode catalysts. Recent advancements in cathode catalyst design have provided valuable insights into the structure-performance relationship, especially regarding how electronic modulation can enhance catalytic efficiency. This review systematically examines the challenges, recent advancements, and future perspectives of cathode catalyst design for Li-O2 batteries. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding how the electronic properties of catalysts influence battery performance and exploring innovative strategies, such as external-field-assisted catalysis, to optimize catalytic activity. Furthermore, the review discusses future research directions, including precise molecular and atomic-level modulation of catalyst electronic structures, advanced in situ characterization techniques, and the synergistic optimization of electrode/electrolyte interfaces, aiming to provide theoretical guidance for developing high-performance Li-O2 batteries.