Graphene as a high-capacity anode material for lithium ion batteries

Graphene was produced via a soft chemistry synthetic route for lithium ion battery applications. The sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The electrochemical performances of graphene as anode material were measured by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling. The experimental results showed that the graphene possessed a thin wrinkled paper-like morphology and large specific surface area (342 m(2)center dot g(-1)). The first reversible specific capacity of the graphene was as high as 905 mA center dot h center dot g(-1) at a current density of 100 mA center dot g(-1). Even at a high current density of 1000 or 2000 mA center dot g(-1), the graphene maintained good cycling stability, indicating that it is a promising anode material for high-performance lithium ion batteries.