MOF-derived Co catalysts modified with RuO₂ for durable Li-O₂ batteries

Li-O₂ batteries have attracted increasing attention due to their high theoretical specific capacity. However, their practical application is limited by factors such as excessively high overpotential and poor rate and cycle performance. It is crucial to find high-efficiency catalysts to improve the kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), as well as to provide sufficient space to store undecomposed Li₂O₂. In this report, we use a simple hydrothermal synthesis method to compound RuO₂ particles on the surface of Co₃O₄ using the ZIF-8@ZIF-67 double metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) structure as a template. The Co₃O₄/RuO₂ material exhibits excellent bifunctional catalytic performance for both ORR and OER, with improved onset potential and half-wave potential comparable to commercial Pt/C. Meanwhile, the Li-O₂ battery demonstrates a high specific capacity of 11,304 mA h g^- 1, excellent rate performance, and outstanding cycle stability.