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Atomic Layer Deposited Non‐Noble Metal Oxide Catalyst for Sodium–Air Batteries: Tuning the Morphologies and Compositions of Discharge Product
Author(s) -
Sun Qian,
Liu Jian,
Li Xia,
Wang Biqiong,
Yadegari Hossein,
Lushington Andrew,
Banis Mohammad N.,
Zhao Yang,
Xiao Wei,
Chen Ning,
Wang Jian,
Sham TsunKong,
Sun Xueliang
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201606662
Subject(s) - catalysis , materials science , atomic layer deposition , carbon nanotube , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , oxygen evolution , noble metal , nanocomposite , layer (electronics) , electrochemistry , metal , electrode , chemistry , organic chemistry , engineering , metallurgy
Catalysts can play a critical role in the development of sodium–air batteries (SABs). Atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology enables rational design and atomic utilization of catalyst by homogenously distributing catalytically active material on a variety of substrates. Here, a novel hierarchical nanostructured Co 3 O 4 is decorated on carbon nanotubes by ALD (CNT@Co 3 O 4 ) and used as a catalyst for SABs. CNT@Co 3 O 4 demonstrates better performance and longer cycle life than a mechanically mixed CNT/Co 3 O 4 nanocomposite. Well‐dispersed ALD Co 3 O 4 catalyst on CNTs, which serves as functionalized active sites, enables rapid electron exchange and high oxygen reduction/evolution activities. Synchrotron‐based X‐ray analysis including X‐ray absorption near edge structure, extended X‐ray absorption fine structure, and scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy characterization techniques have been employed to elucidate the activity of Co 3 O 4 and to investigate the nanoscale discharge product distribution found in SABs. This analysis reveals that Co 3 O 4 catalyst can promote the electrochemical decomposition of sodium peroxide, superoxide, and carbonates. The role of the catalyst in SABs is clarified and discussed in detail.