FeNi nanoalloy-carbon nanotubes on defected graphene as an excellent electrocatalyst for lithium-oxygen batteries

Lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) promise high energy density but suffer from catalyst-related issues. We've developed FeNi-NCNT/DrGO, a novel catalyst, by integrating iron-nickel nanoalloys (FeNi) embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) grafted onto defect-rich reduced graphene oxide (DrGO). The fabrication involved freeze-drying, defect engineering, and thermal treatments. The FeNi nanoalloy within the catalyst demonstrates outstanding bifunctional activity, while the NCNTs serve as an excellent electronic conduction medium and DrGO enables favorable ion transport. The 3D open-space architecture of this catalyst provides a rapid diffusion path for the electrolyte and room for accommodating discharge products. As a result, the LOBs with FeNi-NCNT/DrGO exhibits exceptional electrochemical performance, achieving a deep discharge capacity of 21,153.6 mAh g−1 and a high round-trip efficiency of 98.7% at 200 mA g−1. Moreover, it demonstrates excellent cycling stability, exceeding 100 cycles at 200 mA g−1 with a cut-off capacity of 500 mAh g−1. [Display omitted] •FeNi-NCNT/DrGO was formed by freeze-drying, ball milling, and thermal treatment.•The catalyst shows superior ORR, OER, conductivity, ion diffusion and Li2O2 storage.•LOB with the catalyst shows a capacity of 21153 mAhg−1 and 98.74% efficiency.•LOB exceeds 100 cycles at 200 mA g−1 with a cut-off capacity of 500 mAh g−1.