CO2-adsorbent spongy electrode for non-aqueous Li–O2 batteries

Regulation of the Li₂CO₃ byproduct is the most critical challenge in the field of non-aqueous Li–O₂ batteries.Although considerable efforts have been devoted to preventing Li₂CO₃ formation,no approaches have suggested the ultimate solution of utilizing the clean Li₂O₂ reaction instead of that of Li₂CO₃.Even if extremely pure O₂ is used in a Li–O₂ cell,its complete elimination is impossible,eventually generating CO₂ gas during charge.In this paper,we present the new concept of a CO₂-adsorbent spongy electrode(CASE),which is designed to trap the evolved CO₂ using adsorption materials.Various candidates composed of amine functional groups(–NH2)for capturing CO₂ were screened,with quadrapurebenzylamine(QPBZA)exhibiting superior CO₂-adsorbing ability among the proposed candidates.Accordingly,we fabricated the CASE by sandwiching QPBZA between porous carbon layers,which facilitated the transport of gaseous products.The new electrode was demonstrated to effectively capture the evolved CO₂ during charge,therefore altering the reaction pathways to the ideal case.It is highly advantageous to mitigate the undesirable CO₂ incorporation in the next discharge,resulting in improved cyclability.This novel concept of a CO₂-sponging electrode provides an alternative route to the realization of practically meaningful Li–O₂ batteries.

CO2-adsorbent spongy electrode for non-aqueous Li-O2 batteries

Regulation of the Li2CO3 byproduct is the most critical challenge in the field of non-aqueous Li-O2 bat-teries.Although considerable efforts have been devoted t...