3D WO3 nanowires/graphene nanocomposite with improved reversible capacity and cyclic stability for lithium ion batteries

• WO3 nanowires/graphene nanocomposite was synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method.
• And for the FIRST time, the WO3 nanowires/graphene nanocomposite was investigated as anode material for the lithium ion battery (LIB).
• A higher reversible capacity, improved cycling stability and better rate capability were achieved with respect to the bare WO3 nanowires.
• The first research work investigating the WO3 nanowires/graphene nanocomposite led to promising electrochemical performance used as anode for LIB applications.

WO3 nanowires/graphene nanocomposite was synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method and evaluated as an anode for lithium ion battery. The nanocomposite is composed of WO3 nanowires uniformly distributed on graphene matrix. The electrochemical properties were analyzed using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling. The nanocomposite electrode exhibited a reversible lithium storage capacity of 656 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1 and an enhanced cyclability compared with the bare WO3 nanowires electrode. The improved electrochemical performance could be ascribed to the incorporation of graphene and the unique 3D architecture of the nanocomposite.