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Defect‐Morphology Dual Strategy to Achieve Coral‐Like La1‐xNi0.5‐yFe0.5O3‐δ/NiO Bifunctional Catalysts for High‐Performance Li‐O2 Batteries

Researchers introduced a dual‑strategy design—La‑site deficiency and EDTA‑driven morphological control—to synthesize coral‑like La1‑xNi0.5‑yFe0.5O3‑δ/NiO composites for Li‑O2 batteries. The deficiency generates in‑situ NiO phases and tunes oxygen‑vacancy concentrations, while the chelating agent creates a three‑dimensional porous network that accelerates ion diffusion. The resulting catalyst delivers a low charge‑transfer resistance of 42 Ω, a high discharge capacity of 2.84 mAh, and stable cycling over 121 cycles at 100 mA g⁻¹. Rate tests reveal morphology dominates performance below 200 mA g⁻¹, whereas defect engineering becomes critical at higher currents.