Controlled Synthesis of MnOx Nanowires as Catalysts for Li/O2 Batteries

Non-aqueous Li/O2 batteries have been attracting much attention due to its extremely high energy density. During the discharge process, the anode material Li reacts with O2 which is absorbed from the environment, making these systems serious contenders to meet the rapid growing requirements of electric vehicles [1]. However, one critical challenge to be addressed is the slow rate of O2 reduction in the cathode electrode. Recently, nano-MnO2 used as catalyst in the rechargeable Li/O2 battery was reported [2]. It is known that the properties of MnOx nanostructures are highly depend on their phase, composition and morphology [3]. In this study, we have successfully synthesized MnOx nanowires with different morphologies by hydrothermal method. We found that it is possible to control the lengt