Electrochemical Characterization of Graphene–LiMn2O4 Composite Cathode Material for Aqueous Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

Authors

K.C. Mahesh
Department of Chemistry, Mount Carmel College, Autonomous, Bengaluru-560052, India.
G.S. Suresh
Department of Chemistry and Research Centre, N.M.K.R.V. College for Women, Bengaluru-560 011, India.

Abstract

A series of graphene– LiMn2O4 composite electrodes were prepared by physical mixing of graphene powder and LiMn2O4 cathode material. LiMn2O4was synthesized by reactions under autogenic pressure at elevated temperature method. CV, galvanostatic charge-discharge experiments and EIS studies revealed that the addition of graphene significantly decreases the charge-transfer resistance of LiMn2O4 electrodes. 5 wt. % graphene–LiMn2O4 composite electrode exhibits better electrochemical performance by increasing the reaction reversibility and capacity compared to that of the pristine LiMn2O4 electrode. Improved electrochemical performances are thus achieved, owing to the synergic effect between graphene and the LiMn2O4 active nanoparticles. The ultrathin flexible graphene layers can provide a support for anchoring well-dispersed active cathode particles and work as a highly conductive matrix for enabling good contact between them. At the same time, the anchoring of active nanoparticles on graphene effectively reduces the degree of restacking of graphene sheets and consequently keeps a highly active surface area which increases the lithium storage capacity and cycling performance.