Synthesis of phase-pure Cd2GeO4/G nanorods for high capacity Na-ion battery anode

Abstract

Cd2GeO4 (CdGO) nanorods encapsulated with graphene is investigated as a potential anode for the first time in sodium ion batteries. Cd2GeO4 (CdGO) nanorods have been successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method and well dispersed on graphene to obtain Cd2GeO4/G (CdGO/G) composite. The encapsulation of Cd2GeO4 (CdGO) nanorods by graphene is clearly evidenced from HR-TEM analysis. The introduction of graphene as a compositing additive, results in an advanced performance with a reversible sodium storage capacity exceeding 162 mAh g−1. In addition, such a carbon wrapping on Cd2GeO4 (CdGO) nanorods enables further improvement in terms of capacity retention and high rate capability (up to 3.2 A g−1). Moreover, the newly prepared mixed metal oxide nano rods, viz. Cd2GeO4 (CdGO) leaves ample scope to investigate wide variety of series of germanates as probable SIB anode, for which the currently adopted simple synthesis protocol could be followed.