Evidence of catalyzed oxidation of Li2O2 for rechargeable Li-air battery applications.

The oxidation kinetics of Li(2)O(2) was studied in a carbonate-free electrolyte using electrodes consisting of non-catalyzed and catalyzed Vulcan carbon (VC) and chemically synthesized Li(2)O(2) particles. VC and Au nanoparticles supported on VC (Au/C) were fairly inactive for catalyzing the oxidation of Li(2)O(2), where oxidation currents greater than 10 mA g(carbon)(-1) were found only at voltages equal to and greater than 4.0 V vs. Li (V(Li)). Pt and Ru nanoparticles supported on VC (Pt/C and Ru/C) could significantly increase the kinetics of Li(2)O(2) oxidation, where Li(2)O(2) could be removed largely at voltages below 4 V(Li). In addition, Pt/C and Ru/C showed quick initiation of Li(2)O(2) oxidation in contrast to VC and Au/C.