PTMA/graphene as a novel cathode material for rechargeable magnesium batteries

Abstract

We report the synthesis of a poly(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy-4-yl methacrylate) (PTMA)/ graphene nanocomposite in which graphene is used as a support for improving electronic conductivity. The structure and morphology of the nanocomposite were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These results reveal that a graphene surface is decorated by nanoparticles of PTMA with an average size of 10 nm. The electrochemical performance of the PTMA/graphene composite as a cathode material in rechargeable magnesium batteries was investigated using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/ discharge techniques. In a "first generation" electrolyte Mg(AlCl2BuEt)2/tetrahydrofuran (THF) (0.25 mol • L-1), the material exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 81.2 mAh•g-1 at 22.8 mA•g-1. Further studies will focus on improving the capacity using electrolytes with a wider electrochemical window. © Editorial office of Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica.