The "nonsticky" surface of a highly stable RuO2/carbon nanotube cathode enhances the formation and decomposition of cathode surface-induced, solvation-mediated, micrometer-sized discharge products Li2O2 in Li-O-2 batteries and thus significantly improves the specific capacity, overpotentials, and cycle life. These findings contribute to a new understanding how the cathode surface controls Li-O-2 electrochemistry.