H2O2 Decomposition Reaction as Selecting Tool for Catalysts in Li-O2 Cells

Abstract

The decomposition reaction of H2O2 aqueous solutions (H2O2 → H2O+ 1/2 O2) catalyzed by transition metal oxide powders has been compared with the charging voltage of nonaqueous Li-O2 cells containing the same catalyst. An inverse linear relationship between Ln k (rate constant for the H2O 2 decomposition) and the charging voltage has been found, despite differences in media and possible mechanistic differences. The results suggest that the H2O2 decomposition may be a reliable, useful, and fast screening tool for materials that promote the charging process of the Li-O2 battery and may ultimately give insight into the charging mechanism. © 2010 The Electrochemical Society.