LAUSR

Abstract Li–O2 batteries with higher theoretical specific capacity are a promising energy storage system. Designing an efficient cathode catalyst can alleviate the problem that derives from the sluggish dynamic process. In this study, morphologies of MnCo2O4 are easily tuned from square blocks to nanowire arrays by simple adjusting mole numbers of NH4F under hydrothermal conditions. The MnCo2O4 nanowire arrays on carbon cloth with a large specific surface area of 194.9 m2 g−1 are synthesized by 9 mmol NH4F, which as a cathode catalyst for Li–O2 batteries can maintain for 167 cycles with a cutoff capacity to 500 mA h g−1 at 340 mA g−1 (0.2 mA cm−2). And the MnCo2O4 nanowire array electrodes show the discharge capacities of 8364, 7544 and 5887 mA h g−1 at 200, 400 and 800 mA g−1, respectively, which show good rate performance.