Graphene nanosheets based on controlled exfoliation process for enhanced lithium storage in lithium-ion battery

A facile and rapid approach was used for the fabrication of chemically derived graphene nanosheets based on the reduction of graphite oxide (GO) in tube furnace assembly at different temperatures. The morphologies, microstructures, specific surface areas and other features of GO and graphene nanosheets were characterized. Structure characterization indicates that the platelet thickness of graphene nanosheets obtained at 300 °C was 1.62 nm, which corresponds to an approximately 5 layers stacking of the monoatomic graphene nanosheets. Electrochemical performances of the as-prepared graphene nanosheets were performed, the result of which could prove the above observation that graphene nanosheets (5 layers) obtained at 300 °C actually displayed the most remarkable electrochemical performances: the first discharge and charge capacities of graphene nanosheets were as high as 2137 mAh/g and 994 mAh/g, respectively, and after 100 cycles graphene nanosheets still possessed a high capacity of 478 mAh/g.

Graphical abstractGraphene nanosheets obtained at 300 °C shows better electrochemical performances than those obtained at 600 and 800 °C.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights► With the temperature growing, the thickness of graphene sheets increased. ► With the temperature growing, the distance between neighboring layers decreased. ► Graphene sheets obtained at 300 °C shows the best electrochemical performances.