Graphene foam integrated with lithium titanate as anode of Li ion batteries

Abstract

In this work, we construct a binder-free electrode by integrating Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) nanoparticles onto free-standing graphene foam (GF) via hydrothermal method. The CVD-grown GF is used as the backbone for the deposition of LTO nanoparticles of 20–50nm. Enhanced reaction kinetics including fast ion/electron transfer is achieved with the help of conductive GF matrix. The electrochemical performance of the VG/LTO as the anode of Li ion batteries (LIBs) are studied and demonstrated with a capacity of 171mAhg−1 at 1C, and good cycles with a capacity retention of 77%. High-rate capability is also verified with a capacity of 108mAhg−1 at 10C. The designed porous integrated architecture is favorable for the diffusion of ion/electrons, and good contact with the electrolyte. Our results provide a new way for developing high-performance anode of LIBs.