Uniformly dispersed FeO_x atomic clusters by pulsed arc plasma deposition: An efficient electrocatalyst for improving the performance of Li–O₂ battery

The present study explored a new method to improve the catalytic activity of non-precious metals, especially in electrochemical reactions. Highly ionized Fe plasma produced by arc discharge was uniformly deposited on a porous carbon substrate and formed atomic clusters on the carbon surface. The as-prepared FeO_x/C material was tested as a cathode material in a rechargeable Li–O₂ battery under different current rates. The results showed significant improvement in battery performance in terms of both cycle life and reaction rate. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that the as-prepared cathode material stabilized the cathode and reduced side reactions and that the current rate was a critical factor in the nucleation of the discharge products. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]