Palladium nanoparticle functionalized graphene nanosheets for Li–O2 batteries: enhanced performance by tailoring the morphology of the discharge product

Abstract

Tailoring the morphology of the cathode discharge product is essential for developing high-capacity and rechargeable lithium oxygen (Li–O₂) batteries. In this work, by using functionalized graphene nanosheets (GNSs) with uniformly dispersed palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) as the cathode catalyst for the Li–O₂ battery, the discharge product of the nano-sized Li₂O₂ particles formed and homogeneously deposited on GNSs. Through this tailored morphology, the Li–O₂ batteries with the Pd functionalized GNS catalyst possessed an increased capacity up to 7690 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.08 mA cm⁻². Meanwhile, reduced charge/discharge overpotentials and good cyclability were obtained.