M13 virus template as a new approach to electrochemical energy storage in Li-O2 breathing battery cathodes

Due to high potential energy densities of lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries (11,140 Wh kg-1) have been explored as one of the most promising energy storage systems for the future generation of state-of-the-art batteries. During discharge, oxygen (from the atmosphere) is reduced at the cathode (Oxygen reduction reaction, ORR), where it reacts with lithium ions released from the lithium metal anode to generate Li2O2, and the discharge residue decomposes during charging (Oxygen evolution reaction, OER). Cathode catalysts significantly improve ORR/OER and the electrochemical stability of Li-O2 systems. To accelerate ORR and OER in Li-O2 cells, a suitable air cathode architecture must possess sufficiently porous distribution to allow oxygen diffusion, high conductivity to transfer lithium ions, chemically stable, and highly catalytic activity. Therefore, we first report metal nanoparticles (e.g., Pd and Ru) and α-manganese oxide nanowire supported by reduced graphene oxide. In the Li-O2 cathode, noble metals are used as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts to minimise charge overpotential and provide stable cycling performance. MnO2 is an appealing, useful transition metal oxide catalyst in Li-O2 batteries due to its cost effective, high catalytic activity, and good oxygen reduction characteristics. In the first experiment, Ruthenium nanoparticles were incorporated on MnO2 surfaces, and then the mixture was applied to 50% graphene via ball milling. This electrode demonstrates the charge overpotential and stability up to 40 cycles at a limited capacity of 800 mAh g-1. The produced rGO@Pd@α-MnO2 hybrid nanocomposite cathode delivered a full discharge capacity of 7500 mAh g-1 and maintain cycle life upto 50 cycles with a low discharge/charge potential gap of 0.4 V. Our result shows higher stability of Pd despite Ru. Furthermore, graphene-based electrodes with different graphene content (e.g. 100%, 75%, 50%) were prepared, and by reducing graphene, the higher performance of Li-O2 cell was obtained due to preventing side reactions. On the other hand, plant extract and M13 virus were utilized for the reduction of graphene oxide and preparation of MnO2 nanowires, respectively. Using these biomaterials assist in designing advanced nanomaterials through a green and biocompatible process. Overall, the synergistically effects of α-MnO2 nanowires and metal nanoparticles are combined in this study by decorating graphene sheets to boost cyclability and capacity, resulting in highly efficient Li-O2 cell performance.