Novel Co‐Catalytic Activities of Solid and Liquid Phase Catalysts in High‐Rate Li‐Air Batteries

Abstract

Li‐air batteries are considered strong candidates for the next‐generation energy storage systems designed for electrical transportation. However, low cyclability and current rates are two major drawbacks that hinder them from further realization. These issues necessitate the discovery of novel materials to significantly enhance the redox process of discharge products. In this study, a novel catalytic system comprised of tin sulfide (SnS) nanoflakes as a solid catalyst and tin iodide (SnI2) as a dual‐functional electrolyte additive is discovered. This system enables operating the battery at high current rates up to 10 000 mA g−1 (corresponding to 1 mA cm−2). The SnS catalyst shows outstanding catalytic activity for both oxygen reduction and evolution reactions compared to carbon, noble metals, and other transition metal dichalcogenides. It also exhibits good structural integrity at high rates. The computations indicate numerous possible oxygen reduction sites without oxygen dissociations on the SnS surface through solution mechanism that is likely responsible for the formation of Li2O2. The calculations also indicate that the role of the SnI2 is not only reacting with the lithium anode to provide protection but reducing the charge potential by promoting catalytic decomposition of the Li2O2. This work provides new novel additives for designing high‐rate Li‐air batteries.

Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion Applications of Graphene Oxide: A Review

“…Zhang et al reported the SnS/RGO cathode catalyst for a high-performance Li–air battery (Figure ). The battery was proficient to provide 120 cycles at 3000 mA g –1 as the current density with the corresponding capacity of 3000 mAh g –1 and 75 cycles at 5000 mA g –1 with the corresponding capacity of 5000 mAh g –1 in dry ambient air . Zahoor et al utilized the δ-MnO 2 /N-RGO nanocomposite for a Li–O 2 battery.…”

“…(f) Rate capability analysis with the inset showing deep discharge results. This figure was reprinted with permission from ref . Copyright 2022 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co.…”

“…Studies have shown that RGO can be an effective material for improving the capacity as well as cyclic stability of the battery . Zhang et al reported the SnS/RGO cathode catalyst for a high-performance Li–air battery (Figure ). The battery was proficient to provide 120 cycles at 3000 mA g –1 as the current density with the corresponding capacity of 3000 mAh g –1 and 75 cycles at 5000 mA g –1 with the corresponding capacity of 5000 mAh g –1 in dry ambient air .…”

“…The battery was proficient to provide 120 cycles at 3000 mA g −1 as the current density with the corresponding capacity of 3000 mAh g −1 and 75 cycles at 5000 mA g −1 with the corresponding capacity of 5000 mAh g −1 in dry ambient air. 191 Zahoor et al 192 utilized the δ-MnO 2 /N-RGO nanocomposite for a Li−O 2 battery. Since then, MnO 2 electrodes have been widely utilized for this battery and have shown enhanced performance compared to a pristine carbon electrode.…”

Hydrophobic and Homogeneous Conductive Carbon Matrix for High‐Rate Non‐Alkaline Zinc‐Air Batteries

“…[20][21][22] However, unlike traditional alkaline ZABs, insoluble discharge products such as ZnO 2 in non-alkaline ZABs precipitate on the surface of the air cathode, similar to lithiumair batteries. [23,24] Therefore, more space in the cathode is needed to accommodate ZnO 2 generated during the discharge process. Mesoporous cathodes with a high pore volume have been found to promote O 2 diffusion and improve specific capacity in lithium-air batteries.…”