Enhanced Cycle Performance of NiCo[sub.2]O[sub.4]/CNTs Composites in Lithium-Air Batteries

The lithium-air battery is a new type of secondary battery technology that is currently receiving a lot of attention in the field of power storage technology. These batteries are known to offer high energy densities and potentially longer driving ranges. In this study, NiCo[sub.2]O[sub.4] and CNTs were used to create a composite for use as the cathode of a Li-air battery. Improving the 3D needl-like structure that provides extensive transport channels for electrolyte infiltration and numerous sites facilitated charge transfer reactions and the synergistic effect of highly electrocatalytic NiCo[sub.2]O[sub.4] with pronounced activity and high conductive CNTs, with the synthesized NiCo[sub.2]O[sub.4]@CNTs composites exhibiting active catalytic performance for both OER and ORR reactions. It also showed improved cycle performance at high current densities. NiCo[sub.2]O[sub.4]@CNTs composites were successfully fabricated using a hydrothermal method together with a sequential annealing treatment. The components of the completed composite were confirmed using TGA, XRD, and SEM, and the specific surface area was analyzed using BET. The composite was performed for over 120 cycles at a current density of 200 mA∙g[sup.−1], and 500 mA∙g[sup.−1] was achieved under the capacity limiting condition of 500 mAh∙g[sup.−1]. The charging/discharging characteristics were compared under various current densities, exhibiting stable cyclability. The high catalytic activity of NiCo[sub.2]O[sub.4] oxide supports its potential use as a cathode in Li-air batteries.