Integrated Ni-CNT as a bifunctional catalyst for Li-O₂ batteries

Abstract

Using thermal evaporation technology, Ni-CNT are grown in-situ on nickel plates as the cathode of Li-O2 batteries. This integrated electrode structure eliminates the negative impact of binders on the electrochemical performance and greatly reduces the process for preparing the lithium oxygen battery cathode. Ni-CNT exhibit excellent catalytic activity, and provide an ultrahigh discharge specific capacity of approximately 4.3 mAh cm−2 at 0.1 mA cm−2, the discharge voltage plateau is stable above 2.79 V. In addition, it exhibits a low polarization potential of only 3.34 V during charging, which is much lower than that of the commercial Ru-CNT cathode, and the cycle life of 151 cycles is much higher than that of the commercial Ru-CNT cathode even under a high specific capacity (0.3 mAh cm−2). This self-supporting structure provides abundant space for oxygen transmission and discharge products, and shows great application prospects.