Graphene supported heterogeneous catalysts for Li-O-2 batteries

Abstract

In this study production and characterization of free-standing and flexible (i) graphene, (ii) alpha-MnO2/graphene, (iii) Pt/graphene (iv) alpha-MnO2/Pt/graphene composite cathodes for Li-air batteries were reported. Graphene supported heterogeneous catalysts were produced by a facile method. In order to prevent aggregation of graphene sheets and increase not only interlayer distance but also surface area, a trace amount multi-wall carbon nano tube (MWCNT) was introduced to the composite structure. The obtained composite catalysts were characterized by SEM, X-ray diffraction, N-2 adsorption-desorption analyze and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical characterization tests including galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement of catalyst were carried out by using an ECC-Air test cell. These highly active graphene supported heterogeneous composite catalysts provide competitive properties relative to other catalyst materials for Li-air batteries. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.