Carbon\nNanotube@RuO₂ as a High Performance Catalyst for Li–CO₂ Batteries

Abstract

Efficient\nelectrocatalysts for Li₂CO₃ decomposition play\nan important role in Li–CO₂ batteries. In this paper,\ncarbon nanotubes (CNTs) decorated with RuO₂ is firstly\nintroduced as cathode materials for Li–CO₂ batteries.\nThe CNT@RuO₂ composite can not only deliver a high specific\ncapacity but also a lower charge voltage. With the CNT@RuO₂ cathodes, the Coulombic efficiency still remains around 100% until\nthe 15th cycle. The charge voltage of early 30 cycles at a current\nof 50 mA·g^–1 with a capacity limit of 500 mAh·g^–1 can be fully lowered under 4.0 V. Particularly, the\nCNT@RuO₂ cathode can realize most decomposition of prefilled\nLi₂CO₃ and show a platform at around 3.9 V.\nThis catalytic activity toward both in situ formed and preloaded Li₂CO₃ is more feasible for practical application\nin complex environment.