The stability of organic solvents and carbon electrode in nonaqueous Li-O2 batteries

► Discharge products from six types of aprotic organic solvents were investigated. ► The amount of Li2O2 formed during discharge strongly depends on solvent systems. ► Glyme-based electrolytes result in more Li2O2 formation during discharge. ► All tested carbon air electrodes contain Li2CO3. ► Li2CO3 is formed from the decomposition of solvent, not carbon electrode.