Synergistic Ion Intercalations for High-Yield Synthesis of Li-Doped Graphene Nanosheets as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

A new electrochemical method for gram quantitative amount preparation of Li-doped graphene nanosheets was presented based on the one-pot cathodic exfoliation of a graphite electrode in an organic environment. Structural characterizations of synthesized graphene by FE-SEM and AFM indicate that graphene nanosheets have thickness lower than 4 nm, with a typical worm-like shape. Li-doped graphene nanoparticles show a superior electrocatalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) without using any novel metals and losing stability during 3000 cycles. With a modification of the graphite configuration, the process can be used in a continuous manner, presenting a potentially scalable method for high-yield synthesis of few-layer graphene. Graphical Abstract Intercalation and de-intercalation of SDS and Li ions in graphite structure