Silver nanowires as catalytic cathodes for stabilizing lithium-oxygen batteries

• Ag nanowires proven as a catalytic cathode material for LiO2 batteries first time.
• LiO2 cells with AgNW cathodes exhibit low over-potential for OER.
• LiO2 cells with AgNW cathodes allow high specific discharge capacity.
• Li2O2 is deposited on AgNW cathodes in unique morphology.
• Unique morphology of Li2O2 precipitation promotes excellent performance.

Silver nanowires have been investigated as a catalytic cathode material for lithium-oxygen batteries. Their high aspect ratio contributes to the formation of a corn-shaped layer structure of the poorly crystalline lithium peroxide (Li2O2) nanoparticles produced by oxygen reduction in poly-ether based electrolyte solutions. The nanowire morphology seems to provide the necessary large contact area and facile electron supply for a very effective oxygen reduction reaction. The unique morphology and structure of the Li2O2 deposits and the catalytic nature of the silver nano-wires promote decomposition of Li2O2 at low potentials (below 3.4 V) upon the oxygen evolution. This situation avoids decomposition of the solution species and oxidation of the electrodes during the anodic (charge) reactions, leading to high electrical efficiently of lithium-oxygen batteries.

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