Highly conductive doped carbon framework as binder-free cathode for hybrid Li-O2 battery

Abstract Nitrogen doped carbon materials have been found to be a capable oxygen electrocatalyst for low-cost and highly durable metal-oxygen batteries. However, it is still a challenge to associate the precise working mechanism with their molecular structure, specific surface area and conductivity. By using first-principles calculations and experimental studies, for the first time, we clarify the higher catalyst activity of pyridinic-N than graphitic-N in highly conductive and porous carbon framework. Accordingly, an ultrahigh conductive three-dimensional doped carbon framework that consists of networked and hollow pipelines with nanometer-thick walls is prepared. Benefiting from such a unique structure, the as-made carbon framework as binder-free cathode for hybrid Li-O 2 battery delivers 150 cycles at 1 A g −1 on deep (dis)charge. More importantly, based on the total mass of pyridinic nitrogen doped carbon framework, the capacity of the Li-O 2 battery containing the binder-free carbon framework cathode amounts to 49.5 Ah g −1 .