Sabatier Relations in Electrocatalysts Based on High-entropy Alloys with Wide-distributed d-band Centers for Li-O2 Batteries

Li-O₂ battery (LOB) is a promising “beyond Li-ion” technology with ultrahigh theoretical energy density (3457 Wh kg⁻¹), while currently impeded by the sluggish cathodic kinetics of the reversible gas-solid reaction between O₂ and Li₂O₂. Despite many catalysts are developed for accelerating the conversion process, the lack of design guidance for achieving high performance makes catalysts exploring aleatory. The Sabatier principle is an acknowledged theory connecting the scaling relationship with heterogeneous catalytic activity, providing a tradeoff strategy for the topmost performance. Herein, a series of catalysts with wide-distributed d-band centers (i.e., wide range of adsorption strength) are elaborately constructed via high-entropy strategy, enabling an in-depth study of the Sabatier relations in electrocatalysts for LOBs. A volcano-type correlation of d-band center and catalytic activity emerges. Both theoretical and experimental results indicate that a moderate d-band center with appropriate adsorption strength propels the catalysts up to the top. As a demonstration of concept, the LOB using FeCoNiMnPtIr as catalyst provides an exceptional energy conversion efficiency of over 80 %, and works steadily for 2000 h with a high fixed specific capacity of 4000 mAh g⁻¹. This work certifies the applicability of Sabatier principle as a guidance for designing advanced heterogeneous catalysts assembled in LOBs.