Optimal and systematic design of large-scale electrodes for practical Li–air batteries

•Optimal design for the practical application of Li–air battery with large-scale area and capacity.•Exploration of the large-scale electrode effects of Ni foam and GDL as current collector for tabless electrode.•1.07 Ah capacity and stable 50 cycles for the three stack cell using carbon mixtures.•Structural deformation and self-reaction of GDL electrode during the charge/discharge reaction in Li-air cell.