Examination of graphene nanoplatelets as cathode materials for lithium-oxygen batteries by differential electrochemical mass spectrometry

Abstract In this study, in situ differential electrochemical mass spectrometry was employed to investigate the electrochemical rechargeability of two types of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) as electrode materials for lithium–oxygen batteries by evaluating oxygen efficiency as well as coulombic efficiency. GNPs having hydrophobic surfaces exhibit much higher specific capacity than those having hydrophilic surfaces. When lithium nitrate– N,N -dimethylacetamide (LiNO 3 –DMAc) is used as the electrolyte, the lithium–oxygen battery exhibits a long cycle life, and unwanted side reactions are effectively suppressed. The LiNO 3 –DMAc electrolyte is more stable than the lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide–tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether electrolyte, as evidenced by high O 2 evolution and low CO 2 evolution.