Enhanced cyclability of rechargeable Li–O2 batteries enabled by boron carbide

Abstract

A Li–O₂ battery with a boron carbide (B₄C) based electrode presented a discharge–recharge voltage gap of 1.11 V, which is 550 mV smaller than that of a Super P based Li–O₂ battery. The B₄C based electrode also enables much more enhanced cyclability of over 160 cycles at a current rate of 1000 mA g⁻¹ (0.3 mA cm⁻²). The improved round-trip efficiency and cyclability is attributed to the high electrocatalytic activity and excellent stability of B₄C.