La-based perovskites for capacity enhancement of Li–O2 batteries

Li–O 2 batteries are a promising technology for the upcoming energy storage requirements because of their high theoretical specific energy density of 11,680 Wh kg −1 . Currently, the actual capacity of Li–O 2 batteries is much lower than this theoretical value. In many studies, perovskites have been applied as catalysts to improve the air electrode reactions in Li–O 2 batteries. The effects of structure and doping on the catalytic activity of perovskites are still unclear. La 1-x Sr x CoO 3-δ ( x = 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5) and La 0.9 Sr 0.1 YbO 3-δ mixed with carbon black (Vulcan XC500 or Super P) were used as air electrode catalysts. Electrochemical characterizations were conducted using a Swagelok-type cell. The charge–discharge capacity and cyclic voltammetry (CV) performance were investigated in this study. The La 1-x Sr x CoO 3-δ ( x = 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5) is a suitable cathode catalyst for Li–O 2 batteries. In this study, the La 0.5 Sr 0.5 CoO 3-δ /Super P cathode demonstrated the highest discharge capacity (6,032 mAh g −1 ). This excellent performance was attributed to the large reaction area and enhanced Li 2 CO 3 generation.