Three-Dimensional Array of TiN@Pt3Cu Nanowires as an Efficient Porous Electrode for the Lithium-Oxygen Battery

The nonaqueous lithium-oxygen battery is a promising candidate as a next-generation energy storage system because of its potentially high energy density (up to 2-3 kW kg-1), exceeding that of any other existing energy storage system for storing sustainable and clean energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of nonrenewable fossil fuels. To achieve high round-trip efficiency and satisfactory cycling stability, the air electrode structure and the electrocatalysts play important roles. Here, a 3D array composed of one-dimensional TiN@Pt3Cu nanowires was synthesized and employed as a whole porous air electrode in a lithium-oxygen battery. The TiN nanowire was primarily used as an air electrode frame and catalyst support to provide a high electronic conductivity network because of the high-orientation one-dimensional crystalline structure. Meanwhile, deposited icosahedral Pt3Cu nanocrystals exhibit highly efficient catalytic activity owing to the abundant {111} active lattice facets and multiple twin boundaries. This porous air electrode comprises a one-dimensional TiN@Pt3Cu nanowire array that demonstrates excellent energy conversion efficiency and rate performance in full discharge and charge modes. The discharge capacity is up to 4600 mAh g-1 along with an 84% conversion efficiency at a current density of 0.2 mA cm-2, and when the current density increased to 0.8 mA cm-2, the discharge capacity is still greater than 3500 mAh g-1 together with a nearly 70% efficiency. This designed array is a promising bifunctional porous air electrode for lithium-oxygen batteries, forming a continuous conductive and high catalytic activity network to facilitate rapid gas and electrolyte diffusion and catalytic reaction throughout the whole energy conversion process.