Surface Characterization of the Carbon Cathode and the Lithium Anode of Li–O₂ Batteries Using LiClO₄ or LiBOB Salts

The surface compositions of a MnO₂ catalyst containing carbon cathode and a Li anode in a Li-O₂ battery were investigated using synchrotron-based photoelectron spectroscopy (PES). Electrolytes comprising LiClO₄ or LiBOB salts in PC or EC:DEC (1:1) solvents were used for this study. Decomposition products from LiClO₄ or LiBOB were observed on the cathode surface when using PC. However, no degradation of LiClO₄ was detected when using EC/DEC. We have demonstrated that both PC and EC/DEC solvents decompose during the cell cycling to form carbonate and ether containing compounds on the surface of the carbon cathode. However, EC/DEC decomposed to a lesser degree compared to PC. PES revealed that a surface layer with a thickness of at least 1-2 nm remained on the MnO₂ catalyst at the end of the charged state. It was shown that the detachment of Kynar binder influences the surface composition of both the carbon cathode and the Li anode of Li-O₂ cells. The PES results indicated that in the charged state the SEI on the Li anode is composed of PEO, carboxylates, carbonates, and LiClO₄ salt.