Unraveling the catalytic activities of ruthenium nanocrystals in high performance aprotic Li–O2 batteries

摘要: Abstract Ruthenium (Ru)-catalyzed aprotic Li–O 2 batteries have attracted a great deal of interests because their excellent electrochemical performances including high specific energy and round-trip efficiency. However, it remains unclear how the incorporated Ru catalysts function to enhance batteries’ performance. Herein, we report nanocrystal-catalyzed carbon nanotube-based with that can match or even surpass some best literature results. The catalytic mechanism nanocrystals has been studied by combination Coulometry in situ differential mass spectrometry (DEMS). It found through synergy water additive electrolyte Ru-based catalysts, charging reaction overpotential be brought down 0.12 V (usually η>1 V). Moreover, an isotope-labeled DEMS study on oxidation Li 13 CO 3 indicated also capability decompose , detrimental by-product formed almost all batteries, at surprisingly low potential ~3.5 V vs. Li/Li + >4.0 V). capabilities O LiOH, voltages, which drastically decreases degradation electrode and/or electrolyte, are crucial achieve outstanding for batteries.