High‐Capacity and Long‐Cycle Lifetime Li−CO₂/O₂ Battery Based on Dandelion‐like NiCo₂O₄ Hollow Microspheres

Abstract

As a promising energy storage technology, Li−CO2/O2 battery with ultrahigh discharge capacities have received much attention, reaching capacities three times that of Li−O2 batteries. Herein, using an excellent catalyst, NiCo2O4 designed as a 3D dandelion‐like hollow nanostructure, a Li−CO2/O2 battery is systematically investigated to understand how the reaction mechanisms are affected by CO2. With CO2 stabilization, the batteries could achieve a specific discharge capacity as high as 22000 mAh/g and a long‐term cycling performance of up to 140 cycles without apparent deterioration. In addition, the intrinsic mechanism of the current density influence is explored based on the Li2CO3 morphology evolution. Superoxide anion radical species (O2.− ) were identified to be rapidly consumed by CO2, which dramatically enhances the stability of Li−O2 batteries. The results indicate that the NiCo2O4 nanocatalyst can efficiently inhibit Li2CO3 aggregation and realize the maximum utilization of active sites. The results confirm that the 3D dandelion‐like NiCo2O4 catalyst can be a potential cathode for Li−CO2/O2 batteries.

Catalysts for Li−CO2 Batteries: From Heterogeneous to Homogeneous

“…A good example is the decoration of TiO 2 nanowires with RuO 2 nanoparticles. [69] The third type is bimetal oxide, [70] such as NiCo 2 O 4 , [71] CoSnO 3 [72] and ZnCo 2 O 4 . [73] The selection of catalysts for LiÀ CO 2 batteries can be guided by the air electrode catalysts of Li-O 2 batteries sometimes.…”

“…[73] The selection of catalysts for LiÀ CO 2 batteries can be guided by the air electrode catalysts of Li-O 2 batteries sometimes. [71] TMCs, such as VN, [74] RuP 2 , [75] Mo 2 C, [76][77] MoS 2 , [78][79][80] In 2 S 3 [81] and ZnS, [82] with diverse composition and structure variation have been designed and utilized as highly efficient catalysts for LiÀ CO 2 batteries. For example, LiÀ CO 2 battery with a RuP 2 catalyst could be discharged/charged for more than 200 cycles with an overpotential of lower than 1.3 V, operating at a fixed capacity of 1000 mA h g À 1 .…”

Recent Advances in Lithium–Carbon Dioxide Batteries

“…[ 108 ] Zou et al designed a 3D dandelion‐like NiCo 2 O 4 catalyst with a hollow nanostructure for Li−CO 2 /O 2 batteries. [ 109 ] Reaction mechanisms of CO 2 /O 2 on this catalyst were systematically investigated. The results revealed that NiCo 2 O 4 nanoparticles could inhibit the aggregation of Li 2 CO 3 and could access the optimal utilization of catalytically active sites (Figure 12b).…”

“…Reproduced with permission. [ 109 ] Copyright 2019, Wiley‐VCH. c) Schematic of a Li−CO 2 cell with a ZnCo 2 O 4 @CNT cathode catalyst.…”

Curtailing the Overpotential of Li–CO2 Batteries with Shape‐Controlled Cu2O as Cathode: Effect of Illuminating the Cathode

“…[8][9][10] [11] NiCo 2 O 4 suppresses the growth of Li 2 CO 3 flakes and bares them to clog the active sites. [12] Although the CO 2 reactions are catalyzed by the abovementioned catalysts, the presence of carbon materials, including graphene, carbon nanotube (CNT),a nd carbon black, plays av ital role in their performance as bifunctionalc atalysts. [13,14] The advantages of using carbon-based materials include their electrochemical stability,c onductivity,d iffusion pathways for gas molecules, and high activesurface area.…”