Graphene nanosheets as cathode catalysts for lithium-air batteries with an enhanced electrochemical performance

Graphene nanosheets have been investigated as cathode catalysts for lithium-air batteries with alkyl carbonate electrolyte. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope and Raman spectroscopy have confirmed the high quality of the as-prepared graphene nanosheets and the surface analysis has identified the mesoporous characteristic of graphene nanosheets. The electrochemical properties of graphene nanosheets as cathode catalysts in lithium-air batteries were evaluated by a galvanostatic charge/discharge testing. The reaction products on the graphene nanosheets cathode were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The graphene nanosheet electrodes exhibited a much better cycling stability and lower overpotential than that of the Vulcan XC-72 carbon. This work demonstrated that graphene nanosheets could be an efficient catalyst for lithium-air batteries. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.