Revisiting Li-CO2/O2 battery chemistry through the spatial distributions of discharge products and their oxidation behaviors

Li-CO2/O2 batteries present a promising strategy for CO2 conversion and energy storage, yet the complexity of discharge products poses challenges for revealing their oxidation. Here, we simulate the influences of various properties of Li2CO3 and/or Li2O2 on the decomposition pathway by comprehensively analyzing the singlet O2 (1O2) and gas components (O2 and CO2) generated during electrochemical oxidation. Our results show that no matter Li2CO3 or Li2O2, the decomposition of samples with small size and poor crystallinity produces less 1O2 and more gas product. Especially, small and poorly crystalline Li2CO3 triggers the concurrent decomposition of Li2CO3 and C, while large and highly crystalline Li2CO3 favors the solo decomposition pathway. Furthermore, the 1O2 yield can be most inhibited at a Li2CO3/Li2O2 ratio of 50%. After clarifying the nature of Li2CO3 and/or Li2O2 oxidation, the spatial distributions of the oxygen discharge product in Li-CO2/O2 batteries were observed by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). Li2CO3 is mainly distributed in the interior of large aggregates with high crystallinity. Poorly crystalline Li2O2 appears as small particles or coats on the surface of Li2CO3. Combined with multi-dimensional information of the discharge products and simulation results, the oxidation behaviors of the discharge products in Li-CO2/O2 batteries are reacquainted.