title: Vertically aligned N-doped coral-like carbon fiber arrays as efficient air electrodes for high-performance nonaqueous Li-O2 batteries.
abstract: High energy efficiency and long cycleability are two important performance measures for Li-air batteries. Using a rationally designed oxygen electrode based on a vertically aligned nitrogen-doped coral-like carbon nanofiber (VA-NCCF) array supported by stainless steel cloth, we have developed a nonaqueous Li-O2 battery with an energy efficiency as high as 90% and a narrow voltage gap of 0.3 V between discharge/charge plateaus. Excellent reversibility and cycleability were also demonstrated for the newly developed oxygen electrode. The observed outstanding performance can be attributed to its unique vertically aligned, coral-like N-doped carbon microstructure with a high catalytic activity and an optimized oxygen/electron transportation capability, coupled with the microporous stainless steel substrate. These results demonstrate that highly efficient and reversible Li-O2 batteries are feasible by using a rationally designed carbon-based oxygen electrode.
authors.affiliation: Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University , 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States.
authors.forename: Jianglan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shui
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Du
authors.forename: Chenming
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Xue
authors.forename: Quan
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Liming
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dai