Solvents and catalyst preparations for lithium-oxygen batteries
An electrochemical device includes a lithium anode having a red poly(benzonitrile) coating covering at least a portion of the anode; a separator and an air cathode comprising reduced graphene oxide over gas diffusion layer; and an electrolyte comprising an ether solvent, benzonitrile, and a lithium salt.
1. A method of preparing a lithium-oxygen battery, the method comprising:
providing a lithium anode, an air cathode comprising reduced graphene oxide, and an electrolyte comprising an ether solvent, benzonitrile, and a lithium salt forming an electrochemical cell; and
cycling the electrochemical cell to form a coating of red poly(benzonitrile) on at least a portion of the lithium anode.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising prior to cycling, exposing the electrochemical cell to CO 2 and cycling the cell to deposit a coating of Li 2 CO 3 on at least a portion of the lithium anode.
3. The method of claim 2 , where in the cycling in the presence of CO 2 is conducted for at least three cycles.