Synergistic effect of Cu-La0.96Sr0.04Cu0.3Mn0.7O3-δ heterostructure and oxygen vacancy engineering for high-performance Li-CO2 batteries

Li-CO2 battery is the most promising energy storage system to realize carbon-neutral energy circulation. Developing efficient, cost-effective and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts toward carbon dioxide reduction and carbon dioxide evolution reactions (CO2RR and CO2ER) is highly essential for the application of Li-CO2 battery. Herein, we explore the catalytic ability of Cu-LSCM (Cu-La0.96Sr0.04Cu0.3Mn0.7O3-delta) heterostructure in Li-CO2 battery. The LSCM perovskite substrate can provide abundant oxygen vacancies facilitating the movement of CO2 and ions. The in-situ exsolved Cu NPs ensure a strong intercalation with the perovskite and then deliver superiority catalytic activity, durability, and considerable conductivity. Accordingly, the catalyst exhibits excellent CO2RR and CO2ER activity (peak current densities: 0.4 mA cm(cathodic)(-2), 0.22 mA cm(anodic)(-2)) in nonaqueous media. Benefiting from the mesoporous nanofiber architecture accelerating the deposition and decomposition of Li2CO3 , the Li-CO2 battery with Cu-LSCM heterostructure delivers an ultrahigh discharge capacity of 11350 mAh g(-1), low voltage gap of 1.35 V, and prolonged cycle lifespan of 107 cycles (restricted capacity of 1000 mAh g(-1), 400 mA g(-1)) without obvious degradation. This work demonstrates the synergistic effect between the metal nanoparticles and perovskite oxide in the hybrid heterostructures, and exemplifies the bifunctional catalysts for Li-CO2 battery. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study investigated the catalytic activity of Cu-LSCM heterostructure in Li-CO2 battery, showing excellent CO2RR and CO2ER performance. Through the strong interaction between Cu NPs and LSCM perovskite substrate, the catalyst demonstrated superior performance and achieved high capacity, low voltage gap, and long cycle life.