Enzyme-Inspired Room-Temperature Lithium–Oxygen Chemistry via Reversible Cleavage and Formation of Dioxygen Bonds

Li-O₂ batteries are promising energy storage systems due to their ultra-high theoretical capacity. However, most Li-O₂ batteries are based on the reduction/oxidation of Li₂O₂ and involve highly reactive superoxide and peroxide species that would cause serious degradation of cathodes, especially carbon-based materials. It is important to explore lithium-oxygen reactions and find new Li-O₂ chemistry which can restrict or even avoid the negative influence of superoxide/peroxide species. Here, inspired by enzyme-catalyzed oxygen reduction/oxidation reactions, we introduce a copper(I) complex 3 N-Cu^I (3 N=1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) to Li-O₂ batteries and successfully modulate the reaction pathway to a moderate one on reversible cleavage/formation of O−O bonds. This work demonstrates that the reaction pathways of Li-O₂ batteries could be modulated by introducing an appropriate soluble catalyst, which is another powerful choice to construct better Li-O₂ batteries.     

Direct Detection of the Superoxide Anion as a Stable Intermediate in the Electroreduction of Oxygen in a Non‐Aqueous Electrolyte Containing Phenol as a Proton Source

The non‐aqueous Li–air (O₂) battery has attracted intensive interest because it can potentially store far more energy than today′s batteries. Presently Li–O₂ batteries suffer from parasitic reactions owing to impurities, found in almost all non‐aqueous electrolytes. Impurities include residual protons and protic compounds that can react with oxygen species, such as the superoxide (O₂^?), a reactive, one‐electron reduction product of oxygen. To avoid the parasitic reactions, it is crucial to have a fundamental understanding of the conditions under which reactive oxygen species are generated in non‐aqueous electrolytes. Herein we report an in situ spectroscopic study of oxygen reduction on gold in a dimethyl sulfoxide electrolyte containing phenol as a proton source. It is shown directly that O₂^?, not HO₂, is the first stable intermediate during the oxygen reduction process to hydrogen peroxide. The unusual stability of O₂^? is explained using density functional theory (DFT) calculations.     

DABCOnium: An Efficient and High‐Voltage Stable Singlet Oxygen Quencher for Metal–O2 Cells

Singlet oxygen (¹O₂) causes a major fraction of the parasitic chemistry during the cycling of non‐aqueous alkali metal‐O₂ batteries and also contributes to interfacial reactivity of transition‐metal oxide intercalation compounds. We introduce DABCOnium, the mono alkylated form of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), as an efficient ¹O₂ quencher with an unusually high oxidative stability of ca. 4.2 V vs. Li/Li⁺. Previous quenchers are strongly Lewis basic amines with too low oxidative stability. DABCOnium is an ionic liquid, non‐volatile, highly soluble in the electrolyte, stable against superoxide and peroxide, and compatible with lithium metal. The electrochemical stability covers the required range for metal–O₂ batteries and greatly reduces ¹O₂ related parasitic chemistry as demonstrated for the Li–O₂ cell.     

From O2− to HO2−: Reducing By‐Products and Overpotential in Li‐O2 Batteries by Water Addition

The development of aprotic Li‐O₂ batteries, which are promising candidates for high gravimetric energy storage devices, is severely limited by superoxide‐related parasitic reactions and large voltage hysteresis. The fundamental reaction pathway of the aprotic Li‐O₂ battery can be altered by the addition of water, which changes the discharge intermediate from superoxide (O₂⁻) to hydroperoxide (HO₂⁻). The new mechanism involving HO₂⁻ intermediate realizes the two‐electron transfer through a single step, which significantly suppresses the superoxide‐related side reactions. Moreover, addition of water also triggers a solution‐based pathway that effectively reduces the voltage hysteresis. These discoveries offer a possible solution for desirable Li‐O₂ batteries free of aggressive superoxide species, highlighting the design strategy of modifying the reaction pathway for Li‐O₂ electrochemistry.     

Singlet Oxygen Formation during the Charging Process of an Aprotic Lithium–Oxygen Battery

Aprotic lithium–oxygen (Li–O₂) batteries have attracted considerable attention in recent years owing to their outstanding theoretical energy density. A major challenge is their poor reversibility caused by degradation reactions, which mainly occur during battery charge and are still poorly understood. Herein, we show that singlet oxygen (¹Δ_g) is formed upon Li₂O₂ oxidation at potentials above 3.5 V. Singlet oxygen was detected through a reaction with a spin trap to form a stable radical that was observed by time‐ and voltage‐resolved in operando EPR spectroscopy in a purpose‐built spectroelectrochemical cell. According to our estimate, a lower limit of approximately 0.5 % of the evolved oxygen is singlet oxygen. The occurrence of highly reactive singlet oxygen might be the long‐overlooked missing link in the understanding of the electrolyte degradation and carbon corrosion reactions that occur during the charging of Li–O₂ cells.     

Understanding LiOH Chemistry in a Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Li–O2 Battery

Non‐aqueous Li–O₂ batteries are promising for next‐generation energy storage. New battery chemistries based on LiOH, rather than Li₂O₂, have been recently reported in systems with added water, one using a soluble additive LiI and the other using solid Ru catalysts. Here, the focus is on the mechanism of Ru‐catalyzed LiOH chemistry. Using nuclear magnetic resonance, operando electrochemical pressure measurements, and mass spectrometry, it is shown that on discharging LiOH forms via a 4 e⁻ oxygen reduction reaction, the H in LiOH coming solely from added H₂O and the O from both O₂ and H₂O. On charging, quantitative LiOH oxidation occurs at 3.1 V, with O being trapped in a form of dimethyl sulfone in the electrolyte. Compared to Li₂O₂, LiOH formation over Ru incurs few side reactions, a critical advantage for developing a long‐lived battery. An optimized metal‐catalyst–electrolyte couple needs to be sought that aids LiOH oxidation and is stable towards attack by hydroxyl radicals.     

Electrochemical Oxidation of Lithium Carbonate Generates Singlet Oxygen

Solid alkali metal carbonates are universal passivation layer components of intercalation battery materials and common side products in metal‐O₂ batteries, and are believed to form and decompose reversibly in metal‐O₂/CO₂ cells. In these cathodes, Li₂CO₃ decomposes to CO₂ when exposed to potentials above 3.8 V vs. Li/Li⁺. However, O₂ evolution, as would be expected according to the decomposition reaction 2 Li₂CO₃→4 Li⁺+4 e^?+2 CO₂+O₂, is not detected. O atoms are thus unaccounted for, which was previously ascribed to unidentified parasitic reactions. Here, we show that highly reactive singlet oxygen (¹O₂) forms upon oxidizing Li₂CO₃ in an aprotic electrolyte and therefore does not evolve as O₂. These results have substantial implications for the long‐term cyclability of batteries: they underpin the importance of avoiding ¹O₂ in metal‐O₂ batteries, question the possibility of a reversible metal‐O₂/CO₂ battery based on a carbonate discharge product, and help explain the interfacial reactivity of transition‐metal cathodes with residual Li₂CO₃.     

The Stabilization Effect of CO2 in Lithium–Oxygen/CO2 Batteries

The lithium (Li)–air battery has an ultrahigh theoretical specific energy, however, even in pure oxygen (O₂), the vulnerability of conventional organic electrolytes and carbon cathodes towards reaction intermediates, especially O₂^?, and corrosive oxidation and crack/pulverization of Li metal anode lead to poor cycling stability of the Li‐air battery. Even worse, the water and/or CO₂ in air bring parasitic reactions and safety issues. Therefore, applying such systems in open‐air environment is challenging. Herein, contrary to previous assertions, we have found that CO₂ can improve the stability of both anode and electrolyte, and a high‐performance rechargeable Li–O₂/CO₂ battery is developed. The CO₂ not only facilitates the in situ formation of a passivated protective Li₂CO₃ film on the Li anode, but also restrains side reactions involving electrolyte and cathode by capturing O₂^?. Moreover, the Pd/CNT catalyst in the cathode can extend the battery lifespan by effectively tuning the product morphology and catalyzing the decomposition of Li₂CO₃. The Li–O₂/CO₂ battery achieves a full discharge capacity of 6628 mAh g^?1 and a long life of 715 cycles, which is even better than those of pure Li–O₂ batteries.     

Highly Rechargeable Lithium‐CO2 Batteries with a Boron‐ and Nitrogen‐Codoped Holey‐Graphene Cathode

Metal‐air batteries, especially Li‐air batteries, have attracted significant research attention in the past decade. However, the electrochemical reactions between CO₂ (0.04 % in ambient air) with Li anode may lead to the irreversible formation of insulating Li₂CO₃, making the battery less rechargeable. To make the Li‐CO₂ batteries usable under ambient conditions, it is critical to develop highly efficient catalysts for the CO₂ reduction and evolution reactions and investigate the electrochemical behavior of Li‐CO₂ batteries. Here, we demonstrate a rechargeable Li‐CO₂ battery with a high reversibility by using B,N‐codoped holey graphene as a highly efficient catalyst for CO₂ reduction and evolution reactions. Benefiting from the unique porous holey nanostructure and high catalytic activity of the cathode, the as‐prepared Li‐CO₂ batteries exhibit high reversibility, low polarization, excellent rate performance, and superior long‐term cycling stability over 200 cycles at a high current density of 1.0 A g⁻¹. Our results open up new possibilities for the development of long‐term Li‐air batteries reusable under ambient conditions, and the utilization and storage of CO₂.     

Solvent‐Mediated Control of the Electrochemical Discharge Products of Non‐Aqueous Sodium–Oxygen Electrochemistry

The reduction of dioxygen in the presence of sodium cations can be tuned to give either sodium superoxide or sodium peroxide discharge products at the electrode surface. Control of the mechanistic direction of these processes may enhance the ability to tailor the energy density of sodium–oxygen batteries (NaO₂: 1071 Wh kg^?1 and Na₂O₂: 1505 Wh kg^?1). Through spectroelectrochemical analysis of a range of non‐aqueous solvents, we describe the dependence of these processes on the electrolyte solvent and subsequent interactions formed between Na⁺ and O₂^?. The solvents ability to form and remove [Na⁺‐O₂^?]_ads based on Gutmann donor number influences the final discharge product and mechanism of the cell. Utilizing surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques, we demonstrate an analysis of the response of Na‐O₂ cell chemistry with sulfoxide, amide, ether, and nitrile electrolyte solvents.     

1,2‐Dimethoxyethane Degradation Thermodynamics in Li−O2 Redox Environments

The reaction thermodynamics of the 1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME), a model solvent molecule commonly used in electrolytes for Li?O₂ rechargeable batteries, has been studied by first‐principles methods to predict its degradation processes in highly oxidizing environments. In particular, the reactivity of DME towards the superoxide anion O₂^? in oxygen‐poor or oxygen‐rich environments is studied by density functional calculations. Solvation effects are considered by employing a self‐consistent reaction field in a continuum solvation model. The degradation of DME occurs through competitive thermodynamically driven reaction paths that end with the formation of partially oxidized final products such as formaldehyde and methoxyethene in oxygen‐poor environments and methyl oxalate, methyl formate, 1‐formate methyl acetate, methoxy ethanoic methanoic anhydride, and ethylene glycol diformate in oxygen‐rich environments. This chemical reactivity indirectly behaves as an electroactive parasitic process and therefore wastes part of the charge exchanged in Li?O₂ cells upon discharge. This study is the first complete rationale to be reported about the degradation chemistry of DME due to direct interaction with O₂^?/O₂ molecules. These findings pave the way for a rational development of new solvent molecules for Li?O₂ electrolytes.     

On the Influence of Oxygen on the Degradation of Fe‐N‐C Catalysts

Fe‐N‐C catalysts containing atomic FeN_x sites are promising candidates as precious‐metal‐free catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The durability of Fe‐N‐C catalysts in fuel cells has been extensively studied using accelerated stress tests (AST). Herein we reveal stronger degradation of the Fe‐N‐C structure and four‐times higher ORR activity loss when performing load cycling AST in O₂‐ vs. Ar‐saturated pH 1 electrolyte. Raman spectroscopy results show carbon corrosion after AST in O₂, even when cycling at low potentials, while no corrosion occurred after any load cycling AST in Ar. The load‐cycling AST in O₂ leads to loss of a significant fraction of FeN_x sites, as shown by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyses, and to the formation of Fe oxides. The results support that the unexpected carbon corrosion occurring at such low potential in the presence of O₂ is due to reactive oxygen species produced between H₂O₂ and Fe sites via Fenton reactions.     

One‐ or Two‐Electron Transfer? The Ambiguous Nature of the Discharge Products in Sodium–Oxygen Batteries

Rechargeable lithium–oxygen and sodium–oxygen cells have been considered as challenging concepts for next‐generation batteries, both scientifically and technologically. Whereas in the case of non‐aqueous Li/O₂ batteries, the occurring cell reaction has been unequivocally determined (Li₂O₂ formation), the situation is much less clear in the case of non‐aqueous Na/O₂ cells. Two discharge products, with almost equal free enthalpies of formation but different numbers of transferred electrons and completely different kinetics, appear to compete, namely NaO₂ and Na₂O₂. Cells forming either the superoxide or the peroxide have been reported, but it is unclear how the cell reaction can be influenced for selective one‐ or two‐electron transfer to occur. In this Minireview, we summarize available data, discuss important control parameters, and offer perspectives for further research. Water and proton sources appear to play major roles.     

Tuning the Redox Properties of a Nonheme Iron(III)–Peroxo Complex Binding Redox‐Inactive Zinc Ions by Water Molecules

Redox‐inactive metal ions play important roles in tuning chemical properties of metal–oxygen intermediates. Herein we report the effect of water molecules on the redox properties of a nonheme iron(III)–peroxo complex binding redox‐inactive metal ions. The coordination of two water molecules to a Zn²⁺ ion in (TMC)Fe^III‐(O₂)‐Zn(CF₃SO₃)₂ ( 1 ‐Zn²⁺) decreases the Lewis acidity of the Zn²⁺ ion, resulting in the decrease of the one‐electron oxidation and reduction potentials of 1 ‐Zn²⁺. This further changes the reactivities of 1 ‐Zn²⁺ in oxidation and reduction reactions; no reaction occurred upon addition of an oxidant (e.g., cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN)) to 1 ‐Zn²⁺, whereas 1 ‐Zn²⁺ coordinating two water molecules, (TMC)Fe^III‐(O₂)‐Zn(CF₃SO₃)₂‐(OH₂)₂ [ 1 ‐Zn²⁺‐(OH₂)₂], releases the O₂ unit in the oxidation reaction. In the reduction reactions, 1 ‐Zn²⁺ was converted to its corresponding iron(IV)–oxo species upon addition of a reductant (e.g., a ferrocene derivative), whereas such a reaction occurred at a much slower rate in the case of 1 ‐Zn²⁺‐(OH₂)₂. The present results provide the first biomimetic example showing that water molecules at the active sites of metalloenzymes may participate in tuning the redox properties of metal–oxygen intermediates.     

A Simple Electrochemical Approach Based on Inexpensive Wall‐Jet Screen‐Printed Ring Disk Electrode to Evaluate Oxygen Reduction Catalysts

A simple electrochemical approach to evaluate oxygen reduction catalysts using an inexpensive screen‐printed ring disk carbon electrode system, consisting of a ring electrode deposited with MnO₂ and a disk electrode modified with the catalysts for study, is developed in this study. The as‐prepared MnO₂ is selective and sensitive for H₂O₂ oxidation in the presence of O₂ and is crucial to the proposed approach. By coupling with a wall‐jet electrochemical cell, the product generated from the reduction reaction at the disk electrode can effectively be monitored at the MnO₂‐deposited ring electrode. Model catalysts of nano‐Au and nano‐Pd representing 2e^? reduction of O₂ to H₂O₂ and 4e^? reduction to H₂O, respectively, were evaluated as electrode materials in oxygen reduction reaction to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method.     

The Long‐Term Stability of KO2 in K‐O2 Batteries

The rechargeable K‐O₂ battery is recognized as a promising energy storage solution owing to its large energy density, low overpotential, and high coulombic efficiency based on the single‐electron redox chemistry of potassium superoxide. However, the reactivity and long‐term stability of potassium superoxide remains ambiguous in K‐O₂ batteries. Parasitic reactions are explored and the use of ion chromatography to quantify trace amounts of side products is demonstrated. Both quantitative titrations and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry confirm the highly reversible single‐electron transfer process, with 98 % capacity attributed to the formation and decomposition of KO₂. In contrast to the Na‐O₂ counterparts, remarkable shelf‐life is demonstrated for K‐O₂ batteries owing to the thermodynamic and kinetic stability of KO₂, which prevents the spontaneous disproportionation to peroxide. This work sheds light on the reversible electrochemical process of K⁺+e^?+O₂?KO₂.     

Liquid‐Free Lithium–Oxygen Batteries

Non‐aqueous lithium–oxygen batteries are considered as most advanced power sources, albeit they are facing numerous challenges concerning almost each cell component. Herein, we diverge from the conventional and traditional liquid‐based non‐aqueous Li–O₂ batteries to a Li–O₂ system based on a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE‐) and operated at a temperature higher than the melting point of the polymer electrolyte, where useful and most applicable conductivity values are easily achieved. The proposed SPE‐based Li‐O₂ cell is compared to Li–O₂ cells based on ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (glyme) through potentiodynamic and galvanostatic studies, showing a higher cell discharge voltage by 80 mV and most significantly, a charge voltage lower by 400 mV. The solid‐state battery demonstrated a comparable discharge‐specific capacity to glyme‐based Li–O₂ cells when discharged at the same current density. The results shown here demonstrate that the safer PEO‐based Li–O₂ battery is highly advantageous and can potentially replace the contingent of liquid‐based cells upon further investigation.     

Reoxidation of Transition‐metal Catalysts with O2

Transition‐metal catalyzed oxidation reactions are central components of organic chemistry. On behalf of green and sustainable chemistry, molecular oxygen (O₂) has been considered as an ideal oxidant due to its natural, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly characters, and therefore offers attractive academic and industrial prospects. In recent years, some powerful organic oxidation methods have been continuously developed. Among them, the use of molecular oxygen (O₂) as a green and sustainable oxidant has attracted considerable attentions. However, the development of new transition metal‐catalyzed protocols using O₂ as an ideal oxidant is highly desirable but very challenging because of the low standard electrode potential of O₂ to reoxidize the transition‐metal catalysts. In this Account, we highlight some of our progress toward the use of transition‐metal catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions. Through the careful selection of ligand and the acidic additives, we have successfully realized the reoxidation of Cu, Pd, Mn, Fe, Ru, Rh, and bimetallic catalysts under O₂ or air atmosphere (1 atm) for the oxidative coupling, oxygenation reactions, oxidative C‐H/C‐C bond cleavage, oxidative annulation, and olefins difunctionalization reactions. Most of the reactions can tolerate a range of functional groups. These methods provide new strategies for the green synthesis of alkynes, (α ‐keto)amides/esters, ketones/diones, O/N‐heterocycles, β ‐azido alcohols, and nitriles. The high efficiency, low cost, and simple operation under air make these methodologies very attractive and practical. We will also discuss the mechanisms of these reactions which might be useful to promote the new type of aerobic oxidative reaction design.     

Dual‐Template Pore Engineering of Whey Powder‐Derived Carbon as an Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalyst for Primary Zinc‐Air Battery

Cost‐effective and high‐performance electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) are needed for many energy storage and conversion devices. Here, we demonstrate that whey powder, a major by‐product in the dairy industry, can be used as a sustainable precursor to produce heteroatom doped carbon electrocatalysts for ORR. Rich N and S compounds in whey powders can generate abundant catalytic active sites. However, these sites are not easily accessible by reactants of ORR. A dual‐template method was used to create a hierarchically and interconnected porous structure with micropores created by ZnCl₂ and large mesopores generated by fumed SiO₂ particles. At the optimum mass ratio of whey power: ZnCl₂ : SiO₂ at 1 : 3 : 0.8, the resulting carbon material has a large specific surface area close to 2000 m² g^?1, containing 4.6 at.% of N with 39.7% as pyridinic N. This carbon material shows superior electrocatalytic activity for ORR, with an electron transfer number of 3.88 and a large kinetic limiting current density of 45.40 mA cm^?2. They were employed as ORR catalysts to assemble primary zinc‐air batteries, which deliver a power density of 84.1 mW cm^?2 and a specific capacity of 779.5 mAh g^?1, outperforming batteries constructed using a commercial Pt/C catalyst. Our findings open new opportunities to use an abundant biomaterial, whey powder, to create high‐value‐added carbon electrocatalysts for emerging energy applications.     

An Extremely Simple Method for Protecting Lithium Anodes in Li‐O2 Batteries

Rechargeable Li‐O₂ batteries have aroused much attention for their high energy density as a promising battery technology; however, the performance of the batteries is still unsatisfactory. Lithium anodes, as one of the most important part of Li‐O₂ batteries, play a vital role in improving the cycle life of the batteries. Now, a very simple method is introduced to produce a protective film on lithium surface via chemical reactions between lithium metals and 1,4‐dioxacyclohexane. The film is mainly composed of ethylene oxide monomers and endows Li‐O₂ batteries with enhanced cycling stability. The film could effectually reduce the morphology changes and suppress the parasitic reactions of lithium anodes. This simple approach provides a new strategy to protect lithium anodes in Li‐O₂ batteries.