Integrated Platinum-Fullerene Nanocatalyst as Efficient Cathode Kinetic Promoter for Advanced Lithium−Oxygen Batteries

Efficient and robust platinum-carbon electrocatalysts are of great significance for long-term service of high-performance Li−O2 batteries. Herein we developed an ultra-low platinum loading platinum-fullerene electrocatalyst by ultraviolet-assisted method. The catalyst features crystalline platinum nanodots integrated into C60 nano-fullerene matrices (Pt−C60), which demonstrates excellent mass-activity, 28.8 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C catalysts, exhibiting an ultra-low cell overpotential of 0.43 V while maintaining an excellent cycle stability over 150 cycles. XPS and Raman spectra disclose the integrated nature of Pt−C bonding interaction, and computational modeling reveal the improved electrocatalytic activity and cathode reaction kinetics. Comprehensive investigations demonstrate that the synergistic contribution of component and structure in integrated Pt−C60 catalyst is responsible for high-efficiency and long-life of Li−O2 batteries. Notably, Pt−C covalent integrated design provides a paradigm of catalyst engineering for developing high-activity and low-cost Pt/C catalysts, and easy synthesis method allows them to be mass-produced and potentially-used in catalyst fields.