Construction of a Mn-Ti₃C₂ three-dimensional multifunctional self-supporting cathode for lithium-oxygen batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• High catalytic activity in cathode catalysts is crucial for lithium-oxygen battery performance.
• Traditional cathode preparation methods, like slurry mixing, suffer from issues such as unevenness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an independently self-supporting cathode for lithium-oxygen batteries using a novel preparation method.
• To enhance the catalytic activity, oxygen diffusion, and cycle life of lithium-oxygen batteries.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of an independently self-supporting Mn-Ti3C2 electrode using metal ion-induced bridging and ice-template methods.
• Characterization of the electrode structure and its impact on electrochemical performance.

Main Results:

• The Mn bridges expanded Ti3C2 interlayer spacing, facilitating O2 and Li+ diffusion.
• The Mn-O-Ti bridge enhanced adsorption of reaction intermediates, accelerating the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
• The resulting battery exhibited an ultra-low overpotential of 0.40 V and cycled 340 times at 0.1 mA/cm2.

Conclusions:

• The novel cathode preparation method overcomes limitations of traditional slurry coating.
• The developed Mn-Ti3C2 cathode offers a promising pathway for advanced lithium-oxygen battery design.