Self-Supporting Pt–C₆₀@GO Catalytic Cathodes for Advanced Flexible Li–O₂ Batteries

Abstract

Developing efficient and durable Pt–C catalytic cathodes is crucial for enhancing Li–O₂ batteries; however, it remains a significant challenge. Here, we designed a self-supporting three-dimensional Pt–C₆₀@GO cathode and demonstrated its flexible use in the large-area battery assembly. Pt–C₆₀@GO cathode features parallel structurally continuous graphene oxide films, within which fullerene nanospheres are uniformly embedded, and platinum nanodots that are also equably attached, forming a longitudinally ordered stacking structure. The obtained cathode exhibits highly exposed platinum active sites with robust Pt–C and Pt–O bonding interactions, demonstrating remarkable electrocatalytic activity and electrochemical stability. This enables promising electrochemical performance, including a high areal capacity of 3.70 mAh cm⁻², a low cell overpotential of 0.48 V, and an excellent cycle stability exceeding 100 cycles. Notably, this self-supporting electrode design facilitates the flexible battery assembly, where a single-layered Pt–C₆₀@GO//LiMg pouch-cell displays a high energy density of 324.6 Wh kg⁻¹ and a stable cycle life over 10 cycles in air.

Keywords

catalytic cathode / flexible Li–O₂ batteries / fullerene / graphene oxide / platinum

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2026 The Author(s). Carbon Energy published by Wenzhou University and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.