Tuning MnCo2O4 nanowire arrays on carbon cloth as an efficient cathode catalyst for Li–O2 batteries

Li–O 2 batteries with higher theoretical specific capacity are a promising energy storage system. Designing an efficient cathode catalyst can alleviate the problem that derives from the sluggish dynamic process. In this study, morphologies of MnCo 2 O 4 are easily tuned from square blocks to nanowire arrays by simple adjusting mole numbers of NH 4 F under hydrothermal conditions. The MnCo 2 O 4 nanowire arrays on carbon cloth with a large specific surface area of 194.9 m 2 g −1 are synthesized by 9 mmol NH 4 F, which as a cathode catalyst for Li–O 2 batteries can maintain for 167 cycles with a cutoff capacity to 500 mA h g −1 at 340 mA g −1 (0.2 mA cm −2 ). And the MnCo 2 O 4 nanowire array electrodes show the discharge capacities of 8364, 7544 and 5887 mA h g −1 at 200, 400 and 800 mA g −1 , respectively, which show good rate performance.