An Overview of Engineered Graphene‐Based Cathodes: Boosting Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions in Lithium– and Sodium–Oxygen Batteries

Abstract

The depletion of fossil fuels, the rapid evolution of the global economy, and high living standards require the development of new energy‐storage systems that can meet the needs of the world's population. Metal–oxygen batteries (M=Li, Na) arise, therefore, as promising alternatives to widely used lithium‐ion batteries, due to their high theoretical energy density, which approaches that of gasoline. Although significant progress has been made in recent years, there are still several challenges to overcome to reach the final commercialization of this technology. One of the most limiting and challenging factors is the development of bifunctional cathodes towards oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. In this sense, graphene, which is very promising and tunable, has been widely explored by the research community as a key material for this technology. Herein, a wide literature overview is presented and analyzed with the aim of guiding future research in this field.

Na‐Ion Batteries—Approaching Old and New Challenges

“…Heteroatom doping or combining porous carbon matrixes and catalytic metal particles or metal‐based compounds can overcome the shortcomings and further improve the performance. [ 171,172 ]…”

Environmental Impact Assessment of LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 Hydrometallurgical Cathode Recycling from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries

“…With an approximately 24% yearly sale growth and estimated global sales of 21.5 million by 2030, electric vehicles (EVs) are witnessing an unprecedented increase . Provided their favorable energy density, long cycling life, minimal memory effects, and wide operating temperature range, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the preferred electrochemical energy storage solution for EVs. , In spite of the emerging lithium–oxygen batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, sodium ion batteries, or zinc ion battery chemistries, LIBs are destined to remain the prevalent energy storage choice in the medium and long-term categories . As a consequence, huge amounts of batteries will inevitably be discarded even though effective reuse, repair, and remanufacturing initiatives are implemented .…”

Synthesis of Ultrathin AuPt Alloy Porous Nanowires with Abundant Electrocatalytic Active Sites for Excellent Electrocatalysts

“…8−12 However, their commercial applications are restricted by the high price of Pt as well as performance degradation caused by agglomeration and accumulated carbonaceous intermediates (e.g., CO). 13,14 To improve the utilization rate and electrocatalytic performance of Pt-based catalysts, various strategies have been adopted to carefully design and prepare catalysts with specific compositions and structures. 15−21 Among them, one-dimensional (1D) nanowires (NWs) have an ideal structure that facilitates electron conduction and reduces Ostwald ripening/aggregation compared to zero-dimensional (0D) nanoparticles (NPs).…”

“…The demands for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability generated increasing interest in the fields of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) on account of their high theoretical power density and long-term stability. − Among state-of-the-art Pt-based electrocatalysts for fuel cells, Pt-based nanowires are considered to be the most active and promising. − However, their commercial applications are restricted by the high price of Pt as well as performance degradation caused by agglomeration and accumulated carbonaceous intermediates (e.g., CO). , To improve the utilization rate and electrocatalytic performance of Pt-based catalysts, various strategies have been adopted to carefully design and prepare catalysts with specific compositions and structures. − Among them, one-dimensional (1D) nanowires (NWs) have an ideal structure that facilitates electron conduction and reduces Ostwald ripening/aggregation compared to zero-dimensional (0D) nanoparticles (NPs). − Moreover, the tenuous NWs form an expanded structure that effectively inhibits corrosion of the support and improves the durability of the electrocatalysts. , For example, Zhong’s group successfully synthesized the PtFe alloy twisty nanowire (TNW) catalysts by a simple hydrothermal method without surfactants. Due to this PtFe TNW structure and their bimetallic composition, the product displayed the highest activity and durability .…”