Vertically aligned N-doped coral-like carbon fiber arrays as efficient air electrodes for high-performance nonaqueous Li-O2 batteries.

Shui, Jianglan; Du, Feng; Xue, Chenming; Li, Quan; Dai, Liming · ACS Nano · 2014

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

High energy efficiency and long cycleability are two important performance measures for Li-air batteries. Using a rationally designed oxygen electrode based on a vertically aligned nitrogen-doped coral-like carbon nanofiber (VA-NCCF) array supported by stainless steel cloth, we have developed a nonaqueous Li-O2 battery with an energy efficiency as high as 90% and a narrow voltage gap of 0.3 V between discharge/charge plateaus. Excellent reversibility and cycleability were also demonstrated for the newly developed oxygen electrode. The observed outstanding performance can be attributed to its unique vertically aligned, coral-like N-doped carbon microstructure with a high catalytic activity and an optimized oxygen/electron transportation capability, coupled with the microporous stainless steel substrate. These results demonstrate that highly efficient and reversible Li-O2 batteries are feasible by using a rationally designed carbon-based oxygen electrode.