Enzyme-Inspired Room-Temperature Lithium-Oxygen Chemistry via Reversible Cleavage and Formation of Dioxygen Bonds.

Li-O batteries are promising energy storage systems due to their ultra-high theoretical capacity. However, most Li-O batteries are based on the reduction/oxidation of Li O and involve highly reactive superoxide and peroxide species that would cause serious degradation of cathodes, especially carbon-based materials. It is important to explore lithium-oxygen reactions and find new Li-O chemistry which can restrict or even avoid the negative influence of superoxide/peroxide species.

Li-N Batteries: A Reversible Energy Storage System?

Tremendous energy consumption is required for traditional artificial N fixation, leading to additional environmental pollution. Recently, new Li-N batteries have inextricably integrated energy storage with N fixation. In this work, graphene is introduced into Li-N batteries and enhances the cycling stability.

An Extremely Simple Method for Protecting Lithium Anodes in Li-O Batteries.

Rechargeable Li-O batteries have aroused much attention for their high energy density as a promising battery technology; however, the performance of the batteries is still unsatisfactory. Lithium anodes, as one of the most important part of Li-O batteries, play a vital role in improving the cycle life of the batteries. Now, a very simple method is introduced to produce a protective film on lithium surface via chemical reactions between lithium metals and 1,4-dioxacyclohexane.

Fabricating Ir/C Nanofiber Networks as Free-Standing Air Cathodes for Rechargeable Li-CO Batteries.

Li-CO batteries are promising energy storage systems by utilizing CO at the same time, though there are still some critical barriers before its practical applications such as high charging overpotential and poor cycling stability. In this work, iridium/carbon nanofibers (Ir/CNFs) are prepared via electrospinning and subsequent heat treatment, and are used as cathode catalysts for rechargeable Li-CO batteries. Benefitting from the unique porous network structure and the high activity of ultrasmall Ir nanoparticles, Ir/CNFs exhibit excellent CO reduction and evolution activities.

Verifying the Rechargeability of Li-CO Batteries on Working Cathodes of Ni Nanoparticles Highly Dispersed on N-Doped Graphene.

Li-CO batteries could skillfully combine the reduction of "greenhouse effect" with energy storage systems. However, Li-CO batteries still suffer from unsatisfactory electrochemical performances and their rechargeability is challenged. Here, it is reported that a composite of Ni nanoparticles highly dispersed on N-doped graphene (Ni-NG) with 3D porous structure, exhibits a superior discharge capacity of 17 625 mA h g, as the air cathode for Li-CO batteries.