Ultra-small MnCo2O4 nanocrystals decorated on nitrogen-enriched carbon nanofibers as oxygen cathode for Li-O2 batteries

Ultra-small MnCo2O4 nanocrystals/nitrogen enriched carbon nanofiber composites, with particle size as small as 2–4[Formula: see text]nm and nitrogen content as high as [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]at.%, were designed and used as oxygen cathode materials for Li-O2 batteries, with an aprotic electrolyte. Via an in-situ nucleation and growth, the morphology, size and distribution of MnCo2O4 nanocrystals were well controlled on surface of nanofibers, with strong interfacial interactions between the two components. Benefitting from the unique microstructure and high-level nitrogen doping, the MnCo2O4/NCF composite can deliver discharge and charge capacities of 4147.8 and 3842.8[Formula: see text]mAh/g as oxygen cathode materials, and columbic efficiencies are about 92.6%. More importantly, the discharge products can completely decompose in charging process as evidenced by an ex-situ FESEM investigation, while for pure NCF cathode, particle and plate-like Li2O2 were still observed on its surface, which confirmed that the MnCo2O4/NCF composite has a superior electrocatalytic activity that that of NCF.

A Li–O2 battery cathode with vertical mass/charge transfer pathways

An oxygen cathode with a rolled vertical CNT film configuration is proposed for advanced Li–O2 batteries.

Spinel oxide nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers as a robust and self-standing bifunctional oxygen cathode for Zn–air batteries

Self-standing nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers with homogeneously embedded CoMn2O4 nanoparticles exhibit superior oxygen reduction/evolution catalytic activity and stability for metal–air batteries.

Synergy of polypyrrole and carbon x-aerogel in lithium–oxygen batteries

A crucial step in the development of lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) batteries is to design an oxygen cathode with high catalytic activity and stable porous structure.