@article{Cao2023, 
author = {Renfei Cao and Yangfeng Cui and Gang Huang and Wanqiang Liu and Jianwei Liu and Xinbo Zhang},
title = {Designing a photo-assisted Co-C3N4 cathode for high performance Li-O2 batteries},
year = {2023},
journal = {Nano Research},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {8405-8410},
keywords = {photocatalysis, Li-O2 batteries, low overpotential, lithium peroxide, Co-doped C3N4 (Co-C3N4)},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.1007/s12274-022-5300-8},
doi = {10.1007/s12274-022-5300-8},
abstract = {Li-O2 batteries with extremely high specific energy density have been regarded as a kind of promising successor to current Li-ion batteries. However, the high charge overpotential for the decomposition of Li2O2 discharge product reduces the energy efficiency and triggers a series of side reactions that cause the Li-O2 batteries to have a limited lifetime. Herein, Co-doped C3N4 (Co-C3N4) photocatalysts were designed by an in situ thermal evaporation method to take advantage of the photo-assisted charging technology to conquer the shortcomings of Li-O2 batteries encountered in the charge process. Different from the commonly used photocatalysts, the Co-C3N4 photocatalysts perform well no matter with and without illumination, owing to the Co doping induced conductivity and electrocatalytic ability enhancement. This makes the Co-C3N4 reduce the charge and discharge overpotentials and improve the cycling performance of Li-O2 batteries (from 20 to 106 cycles) without illumination. While introducing illumination, the performance can be further improved: Charge voltage reduces to 3.3 V, and the energy efficiency increases to 84.84%, indicating that the Co-C3N4 could behave as a suitable photocathode for Li-O2 batteries. Besides, the low charge voltage and the continuous illumination together weaken the corrosion of the Li anode, making the long-term high-efficiency operation of Li-O2 batteries no longer just extravagant hope.}
}