Fabrication of a graphene–cuprous oxide composite

A composite of graphene–cuprous oxide (Cu2O) was prepared using copper acetate-adsorbed graphene oxide (GO) sheets as precursors. In this composite, in-situ formed Cu2O particles were derived from the adsorbed copper acetate which attached to graphene sheets and prevented the aggregation of the reduced graphene oxide sheets. The as-synthesized Cu2O crystals were cube-like particles distributed randomly on the sheets due to the template effect of GO, consequently forming a graphene–Cu2O cubes composite. A preliminary study on the electrochemical behavior of the graphene–Cu2O composite used as anode material for lithium ion batteries was carried out.

The graphene oxide sheets are reduced and almost exfoliated due to the in-situ formation of Cu2O crystals deriving from the adsorbed copper acetate.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide