Copper/cobalt-doped LaMnO3 perovskite oxide as a bifunctional catalyst for rechargeable Li-O2 batteries

Copper/cobalt-doped perovskite oxide LaMn0.8M0.2O3 (M = Cu, Co) composites are synthesized through gel combustion with urea as the chelating agent and fuel. Both LaMn0.8Cu0.2O3 and LaMn0.8Co0.2O3 exhibit better catalytic performances for OER and ORR than LaMnO3 in alkaline media due to the abundance of oxygen vacancies and Mn4+ caused by the substitution of different valence elements. When used as a cathode catalyst in Li-O2 batteries, LaMn0.8Co0.2O3 can perform 91 stable cycles at 100 mA g−1 and the discharge specific capacity can reach up to 9620 mA h g−1 at 500 mA g−1. LaMn0.8Co0.2O3 has a longer cycle life and larger discharge capacity compared to LaMnO3 and LaMn0.8Cu0.2O3. [Display omitted] •LaMn0.8M0.2O3 (M=Cu, Co) were synthesized through gel combustion, using urea as the chelating agent and fuel.•LaMn0.8Co0.2O3 could do 91 stable cycles at 100 mA g-1 and the discharge specific capacity could even reach up to 9620 mA h g-1 at 500 mA g-1.•The reversibility of the Li2O2 is characterized.