Mass-production of highly-crystalline few-layer graphene sheets by arc discharge in various H2–inert gas mixtures

Large-scale production of graphene sheets has been achieved by direct current arc discharge evaporation of pure graphite electrodes in various H2–inert gas mixtures. The as-prepared few-layer graphene sheets have high purity, high crystallinity and high oxidation resistance temperature. Their electrochemical characteristics have been evaluated in coin-type cells versus metallic lithium. The first cell discharge capacity reached 1332 mA h g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1. After 350 cycles, the discharge capacity still remained at 323 mA h g−1. Graphene sheets produced by this method should be a promising candidate for the electrode material of lithium-ion batteries.