Graphene nanoribbons/Ru as efficient cathodic catalysts for high-performance rechargeable Li–CO2 batteries

Abstract

Li–CO₂ batteries have emerged as a potential candidate for next-generation energy storage devices due to their impressive theoretical energy density and potential for CO₂ capture. However, the practical application of these batteries faces a challenge due to the sluggish CO₂ reduction reaction kinetics and Li₂CO₃ decomposition at the cathode. Herein, graphene nanoribbons decorated with Ru nanoparticles (GNR/Ru) as cathode catalysts are reported, where dispersed Ru nanoparticles on conductive graphene networks are effective in catalyzing CO₂ reduction and Li₂CO₃ decomposition. As a result, the cathode using GNR/Ru catalysts demonstrates a high discharge capacity of 11 470 mA h g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹ and exhibits excellent long-term stability (more than 1240 hours) with a low overpotential of 1.34 V at a fixed capacity of 500 mA h g⁻¹. This study provides new insights for exploring high-performance cathodic catalysts.