Issue 27, 2014

Nanostructured carbon-based cathode catalysts for nonaqueous lithium–oxygen batteries

Abstract

Although lithium-ion batteries are traditionally considered to be the most promising candidate for electrochemical energy storage owing to their relatively long cycle life and high energy efficiency, their limited energy density as well as high cost are still causing a bottleneck for their long-term applications. Alternatively, rechargeable Li–O2 batteries have the potential to practically provide 3–5 times the gravimetric energy density of conventional Li-ion batteries. However, the lack of advanced electrode design and efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction–evolution reactions remains as one of the grand challenges before this technology can be commercialized. Among various catalyst formulations, nanocarbon composite materials have been recognized as the most promising ones for Li–O2 batteries because of their reasonable balance among catalytic activity, durability, and cost. In this perspective, the recent progress in the development of nanostructured carbon-based electrocatalysts for nonaqueous Li–O2 batteries is discussed, including metal-free carbon catalysts, transition-metal–nitrogen–carbon composite catalysts, and transition-metal-compounds/nanocarbon catalysts. The morphology–performance correlations of these catalysts are highlighted, aiming to provide guidance for rationally designing advanced catalysts.

Graphical abstract: Nanostructured carbon-based cathode catalysts for nonaqueous lithium–oxygen batteries

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
16 tammi 2014
Accepted
24 maalis 2014
First published
24 maalis 2014

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2014,16, 13568-13582

Author version available

Nanostructured carbon-based cathode catalysts for nonaqueous lithium–oxygen batteries

Q. Li, R. Cao, J. Cho and G. Wu, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2014, 16, 13568 DOI: 10.1039/C4CP00225C

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