View article

Li–O₂ batteries suffer from large charge overpotentials due to the high charge transfer resistance of Li₂O₂ discharge products. A potential solution to this problem is the development of LiO₂-based batteries that possess low charge overpotentials due to the lower charge transfer resistance of LiO₂. In this report, IrLi nanoparticles were synthesized and implemented for the first time as a LiO₂ battery cathode material. The IrLi nanoparticle synthesis was achieved by a temperature- and time-optimized thermal reaction between a precise ratio of iridium nanoparticles and lithium metal. Li–O₂ batteries employing the IrLi-rGO cathodes were cycled up to 100 cycles at moderate current densities with sustained low cell charge potentials (<3.5 V). Various characterization techniques, including SEM, DEMS, TEM, Raman, and titration, were used to demonstrate the LiO₂ discharge product and the absence of Li₂O₂. On the …