A robust cathode of RuO₂ nH₂O clusters anchored on the carbon nanofibers for ultralong-life lithium-oxygen batteries

Lithium-oxygen battery has high energy density which is considered as promising candidate for next-generation energy storage system. One of the major challenges for Li–O₂ battery is exploring efficient catalysts for the decomposition of Li₂O₂ and by-products. In this work, a robust cathode employing RuO₂·nH₂O clusters anchored on the carbon nanofibers (RNCs@CNFs) is fabricated for Li–O₂ battery. RNCs demonstrate an excellent oxidation activity towards both Li₂O₂ and Li₂CO₃ during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The unique structure of RuO₂·nH₂O clusters also alleviate the deactivation caused by the coverage of active sites. As a result, the as-built battery exhibits a high specific capacity, a superior rate capability and an excellent cycling stability with low overpotentials. After 200 cycles, new Li anode is replaced and the battery continues 100 cycles without attenuation at a limited capacity of 1000 mAh g⁻¹ and a current of 200 mA g⁻¹. These results provide necessary information for the development of efficient cathode catalysts for the decomposition of Li₂O₂ and Li₂CO₃ in Li-air batteries.