PRODUCTION OF CATHODE MATERIAL FOR OXYGEN ELECTRODES BY ANODIC OXIDIZATION OF MULTIWALL CARBON NANOTUBES

Abstract

We report on a synthesis of graphene oxide by the electrochemical method. To select the oxidation potential we used the standard redox potentials of the carboxyl groups of carbon. Graphene oxide was obtained by anodic oxidation of multiwall carbon nanotubes in concentrated sulfuric acid. It was shown that the required oxidation potential in 96 % sulfuric acid should be + 3 V and the time of oxidation were 4 h. Obtaining graphene oxide was proved by electron microscopy, XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray emission spectroscopy and Raman spectra. Due to the presence of fragments of carbon nanotube in graphene oxide, the obtained material reveals a good electrical conductivity. So, we consider this material as a very promising electrode material for oxygen electrodes of power sources. The current–voltage characteristics of the oxygen electrodes based on electrochemically produced graphene oxide were studied. It has been found that the graphene oxide produced by anodic oxidation of multiwall carbon nanotubes is a prospective electrode material for the chemical current sources.