Tailored lithium storage performance of graphene aerogel anodes with controlled surface defects for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Three dimensional self-assembled graphene aerogel (GA) anode materials with some surface defects have been successfully generated through a facile hydrothermal procedure using graphene oxide as precursor. The morphologies and textural properties of as-obtained GA were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman and other spectroscopy techniques. The surface defects and electrical conductivities of GA can be controlled by adjusting the hydrothermal reaction time. The results indicate that GA with a reaction time of 6h exhibits extremely high reversible capacity (1430mAhg−1 at the current density of 100mAg−1) and superior rate capability (587mAhg−1 at 800mAg−1) with excellent cycling stability (maintaining a reversible capacity of 960mAhg−1 at 100mAg−1 after 100 cycles). It is demonstrated that the 3D porous network with increased defect density, as well as the considerable electrical conductivity, results in the excellent electrochemical performance of the as-made GA anodes in lithium-ion batteries.