Carbon Decorated Ni(OH)2 Nanoflakes on Ni Foam as a Binder- Free Cathode for Lithium–Oxygen Batteries.

Herein, we report a binder-free, low-cost and high performance cathode for lithium-oxygen batteries based on carbon black BP2000 decorated Ni(OH)₂ nanoflakes array on Ni foam. The Ni(OH)₂ nanoflakes array is fabricated by hydrothermal treatment of Ni foam in acidic medium without nickel salt. The highly organized structure of Ni(OH)₂ nanoflakes array provides a more uniform distribution of catalysts and discharge products, resulting in high capacity with a relatively stable cycling voltage profile. The cathode outputs a discharge capacity as high as 12400 mAh g_carbon⁻¹ at 160 mA g_carbon⁻¹, which is 244% higher than that of BP2000 decorated Ni foam electrode without Ni(OH)₂ nanoflakes array. The cathode can sustain 100 cycles under a capacity limitation of 320 mAh g_carbon⁻¹ with high energy efficiency (~67%). Our work points out the key issues and suggests an effective method for the surface modification technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]