Hydrophobic Ni0.5mn0.5co2o4 Catalyst for Li-Air Batteries Operating in Humid Atmospheres

Abstract

Li-air batteries are a promising candidate for the future of energy storage technology. Regrettably, cathode channel clogging and moisture erosion limit the feasible application of Li-air batteries. Herein, a Ni0.5Mn0.5Co2O4-loaded three-dimensional sodium alginate gel was synthesized to be the exceptional performance catalyst of Li-air batteries. And by further hydrophobic treatment of the catalyst, the generation of by-products was reduced, and the lifespan of the Li-air battery in humid atmospheres was extended. At a current density of 500 mA g-1, the modified Li-air batteries exhibited excellent cycle stability in pure oxygen (142 cycles), ambient air (~40% relative humidity (RH), 91 cycles), and humid oxygen (~55% RH, 58 cycles). The discharge cut-off capacities were enhanced to 19876.5 mAh g-1 and 16465.6 mAh g-1 in ambient air and humid oxygen, respectively.

Keywords: Sodium alginate gel, Li-air battery, catalyst, Anodic corrosion