ZnO/graphene nanocomposite fabricated by high energy ball milling with greatly enhanced lithium storage capability

The ZnO/graphene nanocomposite was synthesized by high energy ball milling and evaluated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. EDX elemental mapping indicated that graphene was dispersed homogeneously in the ZnO matrix. The nanocomposite exhibits an initial reversible capacity of 783 mAh/g and maintained a capacity of 610 mAh/g after 500 cycles at 100 mA/g. Moreover, it shows excellent rate capability and cycling stability even at 10,000 mA/g, which can be attributed to the unique structure and the synergistic effect between the nanosized ZnO and graphene.