Structural engineering of metal–organic layers toward stable Li–CO2 batteries

Abstract

The rational design of metal–organic layers (MOL) with well-exposed catalytic sites and versatile structures holds great promise for boosting CO₂ reduction/evolution kinetics in Li–CO₂ batteries. In this work, a multifunctional MOL (Mn–TTA MOL) with a rich catalytic surface and flower-like conductive structure was fabricated as an efficient cathodic catalyst for Li–CO₂ batteries. Benefiting from the abundant accessible catalytic surface and unique conductive network, the as-developed cells based on the Mn–TTA MOL display high discharge capacity, low polarization, and excellent rate performance. Importantly, superior long-term cycling stability over 300 cycles can be achieved even at a high current density of 1.0 A g⁻¹. The findings provide new insights into catalyst engineering for high-performance Li–CO₂ batteries and would advance the development of MOL-based catalysts in various energy storage technologies.