Graphene nanosheets for enhanced lithium storage in lithium ion batteries

Graphene nanosheets were synthesized in large quantities using a chemical approach. Field emission electron microscope observation revealed that loose graphene nanosheets agglomerated and crumpled naturally into shapes resembling flower-petals. High resolution transmission electron microscope analysis, Raman spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy measurements confirmed the graphitic crystalline structure of the graphene nanosheets. The nanosheets exhibited an enhanced lithium storage capacity as anodes in lithium-ion cells and good cyclic performance.