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Cathodes Based on Noncatalyzed Ordered Mesoporous Carbon for Li–O 2 Rechargeable Batteries
Author(s) -
Zeng Juqin,
Nair Jijeesh Ravi,
Chen Qiuping,
Francia Carlotta,
Bodoardo Silvia,
Penazzi Nerino
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
chemelectrochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.182
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 2196-0216
DOI - 10.1002/celc.201402028
Subject(s) - cathode , overpotential , materials science , carbon black , polyvinylidene fluoride , mesoporous material , chemical engineering , carbon fibers , current density , electrode , volume (thermodynamics) , analytical chemistry (journal) , composite material , chemistry , catalysis , organic chemistry , polymer , electrochemistry , natural rubber , physics , quantum mechanics , composite number , engineering
An ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) as a catalyst‐free cathode was tested in a Li–O 2 cell, and a detailed investigation of the relation between the size and type of pore morphology against various charge/discharge current densities was performed. The final cathode was a mixture of homemade OMC, polyvinylidene fluoride as binder and a commercial acetylene carbon black deposited over a gas diffusion layer. The cell displayed a high discharge capacity, which was related to the high pore volume, in particular to the mesopore volume of the OMC. The Li–O 2 cell assembled with such a cathode was able to deliver a high discharge capacity of 9.25 mA h cm −2 . The influence of current rate on the discharge process was also studied, and it was found that a higher current density resulted in a larger discharge overpotential and a lower discharge capacity. In a time‐controlled testing mode, the cell exhibited good capacity retention and a prolonged cycle life with a cutoff capacity of 0.98 mA h cm −2 .