Fundamental research on Li–O2 batteries remains critical, and the nature of the reactions and stability are paramount for realising the promise of the Li–O2 system. We report that indium tin oxide (ITO) nanocrystals with supported 1–2 nm oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst Ru/RuOx nanoparticles (NPs) demonstrate efficient OER processes, reduce the recharge overpotential of the cell significantly and maintain catalytic activity to promote a consistent cycling discharge potential in Li–O2 cells even when the ITO support nanocrystals deteriorate from the very first cycle. The Ru/RuOx nanoparticles lower the charge overpotential compared with those for ITO and carbon-only cathodes and have the greatest effect in DMSO electrolytes with a solution-processable F-free carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder (