Toward Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for Li–O₂ Batteries Using Biphasic N-Doping Cobalt@Graphene Multiple-Capsule Heterostructures

Abstract

For the promotion of lithium-oxygen batteries available for practical applications, the development of advanced cathode catalysts with low-cost, high activity, and stable structural properties is demanded. Such development is rooted on certain intelligent catalyst-electrode design that fundamentally facilitates electronic and ionic transport and improves oxygen diffusivity in a porous environment. Here we design a biphasic nitrogen-doped cobalt@graphene multiple-capsule heterostructure, combined with a flexible, stable porous electrode architecture, and apply it as promising cathodes for lithium-oxygen cells. The biphasic nitrogen-doping feature improves the electric conductivity and catalytic activity; the multiple-nanocapsule configuration makes high/uniform electroactive zones possible; furthermore, the colander-like porous electrode facilitates the oxygen diffusion, catalytic reaction, and stable deposition of discharge products. As a result, the electrode exhibits much improved electrocatalytic properties associated with unique morphologies of electrochemically grown lithium peroxides.