Ceria based catalyst for cathode in non-aqueous electrolyte based Li/O₂batteries

Abstract

This study suggests combustion synthesized Ce(1-x)Zr(x)O(2) (CZO; x = 0.1-0.5) as a new catalyst for the cathode in non-aqueous electrolyte based Li/O(2) cells. The spherical catalysts have a fluorite structure with a mean diameter of 5-17 nm. Zr doping into the ceria lattice leads to the reduction of Ce(4+) to Ce(3+), which further improves the catalyst performance. Electrochemical studies of CZO as a cathode catalyst in the Li/O(2) cell show that CZO follows a two-electron pathway for oxygen reduction. A maximum discharge capacity of 1620 mAh g(-1) is obtained for the Ce(0.8)Zr(0.2)O(2) catalyst due to its high surface area and porosity. A composite of CZO and MnO(2) shows even better performance as a cathode catalyst for the Li/O(2) cell.