  Li-O$_2$ batteries (LOB) performance degradation ultimately occurs through
the accumulation of discharge products and irreversible clogging of the porous
electrode during the cycling. Electrode binder degradation in the presence of
reduced oxygen species can result in additional coating of the conductive
surface, exacerbating capacity fading. Herein, we establish a facile method to
fabricate free-standing, binder-free electrodes for LOBs in which multi-wall
carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) form cross-linked networks exhibiting high porosity,
conductivity, and flexibility. These electrodes demonstrate high
reproducibility upon cycling in LOBs. After cell death, efficient and
inexpensive methods to wash away the accumulated discharge products are
demonstrated, as reconditioning method. The second life usage of these
electrodes is validated, without noticeable loss of performance. These findings
aim to assist in the development of greener high energy density batteries while
reducing manufacturing and recycling costs.
