Researchers have improved the catalytic performance of lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries to create ultrahigh capacity Li-O2 batteries, which were then published in the journal ACS Catalysis. The commercialization of this battery might be aided by this discovery.
Researchers Develops Graphene Li-O2 Battery
Lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries have a high theoretical energy density. But commercialization of the batteries was hampered by the air cathode's subpar catalytic activity.
To solve such a problem, two-dimensional (2D) Mn3O4 nanosheets with dominating crystal planes on graphene (Mn3O4 NS/G) were created by a collaborative research team. The improved version features effective oxygen catalysts for Li-O2 batteries. Ultrahigh capacity and long-term battery stability are the goals of this work.
Graphene Li-O2 Outperforms Manganese-Based Oxide Batteries
It is still difficult to properly control the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the three-phase interfaces by designing oxygen catalysts with well-defined geometries and high-activity crystal facets.
According to Phys.Org, the researchers found that compared to Mn3O4 nanoparticles on graphene, the Mn3O4 NS/G with the (101) facets and enhanced oxygen vacancies presented a reduced charge overpotential of 0.86 V compared to the 1.15 V of Mn.
Additionally, the Mn3O4 NS/G cathode outperformed most Mn-based oxides for Li-O2 batteries, reported with long-term stability over 1,300 hours and ultrahigh specific capacity up to 35,583 mAh/g at 200 mA/g.
Theoretical and experimental findings demonstrated that Mn3O4 (101) had a lower adsorption energy for the discharge product Li2O2 than did Mn3O4 (211), demonstrating Li2O2's simpler breakdown during the charging process.
According to Prof. Wu, the research may offer guidance for developing Mn-based materials with defined crystal faces for high-efficiency Li-O2 batteries.
Molecule Performance Booster for Lithium Oxygen Batteries
Utilizing cutting-edge technology, lithium-oxygen batteries produce electricity by breathing air and delivering the maximum amount of energy density.
However, they have faced difficulties thus far, including inadequate discharge capacity, insufficient energy efficiency, and severe parasitic responses. A novel all-in-one chemical has been discovered to concurrently address those problems in a distinct study.
The fascinating discovery, according to UTS Professor Guoxiu Wang, who oversaw the research team at the UTS Centre for Clean Energy Technology, removed a number of impediments and made it possible to produce a long-lasting, highly effective lithium-oxygen battery.
Batteries, according to Wang, are undergoing fundamental change. They will ease the transition to a climate-neutral society and create new business opportunities for a nation like Australia, which is abundant in the raw materials needed to make batteries.
Additionally, they will assist utilities in enhancing the quality and dependability of power and aid international governments in achieving net carbon emission-free status.
As per Science Daily, the team study describes a Li-O2 battery that is powered by a novel quenching/mediating mechanism that depends on the physical interactions of a flexible molecule with Li2O and superoxide radicals. The battery has a discharge capacity that has increased by 46 times, a 0.7 V low charge overpotential, and an incredibly long cycle life of more than 1400 cycles.
According to Wang, the PDI-TEMPO molecule's thoughtful design creates a new path for creating high-performance Li-O2 batteries.
The ability of lithium-oxygen batteries of the upcoming generation to increase the amount of time between charges will significantly advance the field of electric vehicles.
The all-in-one molecule, according to the researchers, has the potential to significantly boost lithium-oxygen battery performance and make viable new generation lithium-oxygen batteries.
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