Mass-production of highly-crystalline few-layer graphene sheets by arc discharge in various H2-inert gas mixtures

Large-scale production of graphene sheets has been achieved by direct current arc discharge evaporation of pure graphite electrodes in various H-2-inert gas mixtures. The as-prepared few-layer graphene sheets have high purity, high crystallinity and high oxidation resistance temperature. Their electrochemical characteristics have been evaluated in coin-type cells versus metallic lithium. The first cell discharge capacity reached 1332 mA h g (1) at a current density of 50 mA g (1). After 350 cycles, the discharge capacity still remained at 323 mA h g (1). Graphene sheets produced by this method should be a promising candidate for the electrode material of lithium-ion batteries. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.