Gradient Mn-La-Pt Catalysts with Three-layered Structure for Li-O2 battery

Gradient Mn-La-Pt catalysts with three-layered structure of manganese dioxide (MnO 2 ), lanthanum oxide (La 2 O 3 ), and Platinum (Pt) for Li-O 2 battery are prepared in this study. The mass ratio of the catalysts is respectively 5:2:3, 4:2:4, and 3:2:5 (MnO 2 : La 2 O 3 : Pt) which is start from the side of the electrolyte. The relationship between morphology structure and electrochemical performance of gradient catalyst is investigated by energy dispersive spectrometry and constant current charge/discharge test. The Li-O 2 battery based on gradient Mn-La-Pt catalysts shows high discharge specific capacity (2707 mAh g −1 ), specific energy density (8400 Wh kg −1 ) and long cycle life (56 cycles). The improvement of the Li-O 2 battery discharge capacity is attributed to the gradient distribution of MnO 2 and Pt and the involvement of La 2 O 3 that can improve the energy density of the battery. More important, this work will also provide new ideas and methods for the research of other metal-air battery.