Facile synthesis of multiporous CuCo2O4 microspheresas efficient electrocatalysts for rechargeable Li-O2 batteries

Multiporous CuCo2O4 microspheres have been synthesized via a facile solvothermal method and used as bifunctional electrocatalysts for rechargeable Li-O2 batteries. The Li-O2 battery utilizing CuCo2O4 shows a higher specific capacity of 5607 mAh g-1 than that with pure Ketjen black (KB). Moreover, the Cu-Co2O4-based electrode enables much enhanced cyclability than that of the carbon-only cathode. Such excellent catalytic performance of CuCo2O4 could be associated with its inherent catalytic activity and multi-porous microspheres structure.