Vertically-aligned graphene nanowalls grown via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition as a binder-free cathode in Li-O₂ batteries

In the present report, vertically-aligned graphene nanowalls are grown on Ni foam (VA-G/NF) using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method at room temperature. Optimization of the growth conditions provides graphene sheets with controlled defect sites. The unique architecture of the vertically-aligned graphene sheets allows sufficient space for the ionic movement within the sheets and hence enhancing the catalytic activity. Further modification with ruthenium nanoparticles (Ru NPs) drop-casted on VA-G/NF improves the charge overpotential for lithium-oxygen (Li-O₂) battery cycles. Such reduction we believe is due to the easier passage of ions between the perpendicularly standing graphene sheets thereby providing ionic channels.