Abstract: Diamond-like carbon materials and methods of making diamond-like carbon materials are provided. The diamond-like carbon materials are made and tested to specific desirable properties of conductivity and overpotential for undesired reactions. Methods of making the diamond-like carbon include sputtering using a DC magnetron, where the sputtering gas includes argon and nitrogen.
Abstract: Dual use gas diffusion-gas evolution electrodes containing diamond-like carbon are described, which can act as gas diffusion electrodes during discharge, and gas evolution electrodes during recharge. Electrodes of the disclosed materials are electrochemically robust, inhibit multi-step reactions, and have high, isotropic thermal conductivity. The disclosed electrodes can be used as air electrodes of rechargeable metal-air batteries.