Recent progress of transition metal-based catalysts as cathodes in O/HO-involved and pure Li-CO batteries

• Published in: Energy & environmental science 2023-03, Vol.16 (3), p.792-829
• Main Authors: Chen, Jian, Chen, Xiao-Yang, Liu, Yang, Qiao, Yun, Guan, Shi-You, Li, Li, Chou, Shu-Lei
• Format: Article
• ISSN: 1754-5692; 1754-5706
• DOI: 10.1039/d2ee03015b

The combination of clean energy storage and reducing CO 2 emissions is an effective strategy to meet the growing energy demands and achieve a sustainable route. Consequently, Li-CO 2 batteries have received extensive attention, which is ascribed to their dual functions of energy storage and CO 2 capture. Nevertheless, the development and utilization of Li-CO 2 batteries are still in their infancy and face considerable challenges, such as high polarization, cathode inactivation, and environmental sensitivity. Thus, it is necessary to fully understand the reaction mechanism of Li-CO 2 batteries, explore the catalytic capabilities, crucial functions and influencing factors of various catalytic cathodes, and formulate corresponding modification measures to achieve high-performance Li-CO 2 batteries. In this review, we systematically introduce the electrochemical reaction mechanism of O 2 -involved, H 2 O-involved and pure Li-CO 2 batteries, and then systematically introduce the latest research progress of transition metal-based catalysts, including their composition and structure, and the corresponding effects on their electrochemical performance. Based on a comprehensive overview of the current research progress, we present perspectives and directions for the exploration of Li-CO 2 batteries and further provide guidance for the future development and practical utilization of Li-CO 2 batteries. The composition, structure, reaction mechanism of transition metal-based catalysts and their effects on the electrochemical performance of Li-CO 2 cells were summarized, and some perspectives for the development of Li-CO 2 cells were put forward.