Nature-inspired molecules present a family of affordable, environmentally friendly catalysts to enable and enhance next-generation energy storage systems. In this study, we report the use of cobalt-based polyoxometalates (Co-POMs) with an oxo-bridged tetracobalt active site, which is reminiscent of the natural oxygen-evolving complex, as an efficient and stable redox catalyst for Li-O₂ batteries. Interestingly, Co-POMs exhibit catalytic activity for both oxygen evolution and reduction reactions (OER and ORR, respectively) under a certain condition when it forms a stable dispersion of molecular aggregates, which can be controlled by the types of electrolyte solvents and exposure to light. As a result of the optimized OER/ORR bifunctional activity, Li-O₂ cells facilitated by Co-POM redox reactions successfully achieve improved efficiency and a longer cycle life in comparison to reference cells. The reversibility of the Li-O₂ reactions in the presence of the bifunctional Co-POM catalysts is confirmed by ex situ characterizations.

中文翻译：

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多金属氧酸盐是自然界启发的锂氧电池双功能催化剂

受自然启发的分子提供了一系列可负担的，环保的催化剂，以实现和增强下一代能量存储系统。在这项研究中，我们报告使用具有氧桥联四钴活性位点的钴基多金属氧酸盐（Co-POMs）作为有效稳定的Li-O ₂氧化还原催化剂，该位点使人联想到天然的放氧复合物。电池。有趣的是，Co-POM形成稳定的分子聚集体分散体时，在一定条件下对氧的释放和还原反应（分别为OER和ORR）都具有催化活性，这可以通过电解质溶剂的类型和曝光来控制。 。经过优化的OER / ORR双功能活性，Li-O ₂与参比电池相比，由Co-POM氧化还原反应促进的SMV电池成功实现了更高的效率和更长的循环寿命。在双官能度Co-POM催化剂存在下，Li-O ₂反应的可逆性通过异位表征得到证实。