Balance between favored activity and side reactions of nitrogen doped carbon as cathode material in Lithium-oxygen battery

This work reveals a balance between the improved oxygen reduction reaction/oxygen evolution reaction activity of nitrogen doped carbon and the concomitant activity in the decomposition of the electrolyte of the Lithium-oxygen battery. The capacity and cyclability of Lithium-oxygen battery increase with the nitrogen content to a vertex, then decrease with higher nitrogen content. The largest capacity of 7250 mA g−1 and the best long-term stability of 71 cycles over 420 h are found in a catalyst with proper content of nitrogen. It is also found nitrogen doping can improve the work function of the carbon material, making it more resistant to decomposition in the working conditions of Lithium-oxygen battery.