MOFs-derived 3D nanoporous Co-N-C coupled with RuO2 composite as enhanced catalysts for Li-O2 batteries

Electrode materials with optimized structure and electrocatalyst utilization can promote the progress of high-performance Li-O2 batteries (LOBs). Herein, the catalyst was synthesized by in situ growing RuO2 nanoparticles on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived carbonaceous polyhedrons co-doped with cobalt and nitrogen (Co-N-C). The porous composition of the Co-N-C facilitated O2 and Li+ diffusion and provided adequate space for storage of discharged products. Furthermore, the RuO2 catalyst facilitated a process that reversed of Li2O2 accumulation and decomposition on the positive electrode surface. The LOBs with this innovative catalyst exhibited a notable discharge capacity (16671 mAh g-1) and displayed extended cyclability (174 cycles) under 200 mA g-1.In addition, the density functional theory (DFT) simulations reveal that the RuO2/Co-N-C offer high catalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Hence, the present work introduces a potential approach to designing electrocatalysts that exhibit great efficiency and promise for use in high-performance LOBs.