Synthesis and performance of a graphene decorated NaTi2(PO4)3/C anode for aqueous lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Aqueous lithium-ion batteries (ALIBs) possess significant potential in applications as large-scale energy storage systems and portable power sources. Nevertheless, the inferior performance of the anodes significantly restricts the extensive applications of ALIBs. Herein, a graphene decorated NaTi2(PO4)3/C (NTP/C-G) composite was synthesized by sol-gel technology and applied as a high-performance anode for ALIBs. There was no significant impact on the crystal lattice frame of NaTi2(PO4)3 with the graphene modification. Graphene possessing a large surface area and good conductivity improved the electrochemical performance of the as-prepared NaTi2(PO4)3/C (NTP/C) composite. The discharge capacity of the NTP/C-G||LiMn2O4 cell reached 107.8, 86.2, and 76.9 mAh g−1 at 0.5, 10, and 15C, respectively, which was 12, 18.8, and 19.3 mAh g−1 higher than those for the original NTP/C||LiMn2O4 cell. Moreover, the capacity retention of the NTP/C-G||LiMn2O4 cell at 6C retained 92.1% after 1,000 cycles, which was much higher than that for the original NTP/C||LiMn2O4 cell (69.1%). The excellent performance of the graphene decorated composite was mainly attributed to the formation of conductive networks. Our data showed that graphene decorated NaTi2(PO4)3/C was a prospective anode for ALIBs.