Lithium cell-assisted low-overpotential Li-O2 batteries by in situ discharge activation.

We report a novel and facile route to improve the catalytic performance of carbon paper-based electrocatalysts, which can be activated by in situ discharging with the assistance of a Li cell. Our results show that the OER potentials were successfully reduced to ∼3.5 V, much lower than the value of 4.5 V for graphite paper, which is the best result recorded amongst the reported carbon-based electrocatalysts.