RuO2 nanoparticles supported on Ni and N co-doped carbon nanotubes as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst of lithium-oxygen battery

Li2O2, as the discharge product of Li-O2 batteries on cathode, is difficult to be electrochemically decomposed, which will lead short cycling lifespan batteries. In this study, battery was prolonged significantly by an efficient bifunctional catalyst. The Ni and N co-doped carbon nanotubes (NiNCs) were synthesized firstly, then RuO2 nanoparticles deposited NiNCs a hydrothermal route synthesize RuO2/NiNC catalysts. Transmission electron microscopy X-ray diffraction characterizations demonstrated that part metallic converted into NiO Ni(OH)2 after loading RuO2, existence layer can prevent further oxidation Ni. with cathode catalyst exhibits overpotential 0.43 V, much lower than value 1.03 V measured using NiNC At rate 200 mA g?1, maintain reversible capacity 500 h g?1 for 260 cycles, 117 cycles higher 1000 g?1. superior property could ascribed high activity rich nanotube structure deposition decomposition Li2O2.