All carbon nanotubes and freestanding air electrodes for rechargeable Li–air batteries

Abstract

All carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and freestanding air electrodes are prepared via a facile impregnation method and are used as air cathodes for nonaqueous Li–air batteries. The all CNT electrodes deliver a high discharge capacity, high discharge plateau and good rate performance. The improved cycle performance is also achieved by controlling the discharge depth. The excellent performance is attributed to the great amount of active O₂ absorption sites and sufficient volume for product deposition that are formed by CNTs.