M13 virus-directed synthesis of nanostructured metal oxides for lithium−oxygen batteries

Abstract

Transition metal oxides are promising electrocatalysts for both water oxidations and metal–air batteries. Here, we report the virus-mediated synthesis of cobalt manganese oxide nanowires (NWs) to fabricate high capacity Li–O2 battery electrodes. Furthermore, we hybridized Ni nanoparticles (NPs) on bio Co3O4 NWs to improve the round trip efficiency as well as the cycle life of Li–O2 batteries. This biomolecular directed synthesis method is expected to provide a selection platform for future energy storage electrocatalysts.