3D Hollow α-MnO2 Framework as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Lithium-Oxygen Batteries

Abstract

Lithium-oxygen (Li-O₂ ) batteries are attracting more attention owing to their superior theoretical energy density compared to conventional Li-ion battery systems. With regards to the catalytically electrochemical reaction on a cathode, the electrocatalyst plays a key role in determining the performance of Li-O₂ batteries. Herein, a new 3D hollow α-MnO₂ framework (3D α-MnO₂ ) with porous wall assembled by hierarchical α-MnO₂ nanowires is prepared by a template-induced hydrothermal reaction and subsequent annealing treatment. Such a distinctive structure provides some essential properties for Li-O₂ batteries including the intrinsic high catalytic activity of α-MnO₂ , more catalytic active sites of hierarchical α-MnO₂ nanowires on 3D framework, continuous hollow network and rich porosity for the storage of discharge product aggregations, and oxygen diffusion. As a consequence, 3D α-MnO₂ achieves a high specific capacity of 8583 mA h g^-1 at a current density of 100 mA g^-1 , a superior rate capacity of 6311 mA h g^-1 at 300 mA g^-1 , and a very good cycling stability of 170 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g^-1 with a fixed capacity of 1000 mA h g^-1 . Importantly, the presented design strategy of 3D hollow framework in this work could be extended to other catalytic cathode design for Li-O₂ batteries.

Keywords: 3D framework; Li-O2 battery; hollow structure; α-MnO2.