3D graphene-based anode materials for Li-ion batteries

Advances in synthesis and processing of nanocarbon materials particularly carbon nanotubes and graphene have presented the opportunity to design novel Li-ion battery (LIB) anode materials that can meet the power requirements of next-generation power devices. This mini-review presents an overview of recent studies on the electrochemical behavior of three-dimensional (3D) nanostructured anode materials formed by coupling graphene sheets with alloying type active materials (metals or metal oxides). A number of promising 3D graphene-based hybrid anodes ranging from sheet-like, core-shaped, to foam-like morphologies are discussed. The significant improvement observed in the LIB performance of the 3D hybrid anodes is largely attributed to the unique properties of graphene and the resulting 3D architecture.