Photothermally reduced graphene as high-power anodes for lithium-ion batteries

ACS Nano. 2012 Sep 25;6(9):7867-78. doi: 10.1021/nn303145j. Epub 2012 Aug 16.

Abstract

Conventional graphitic anodes in lithium-ion batteries cannot provide high-power densities due to slow diffusivity of lithium ions in the bulk electrode material. Here we report photoflash and laser-reduced free-standing graphene paper as high-rate capable anodes for lithium-ion batteries. Photothermal reduction of graphene oxide yields an expanded structure with micrometer-scale pores, cracks, and intersheet voids. This open-pore structure enables access to the underlying sheets of graphene for lithium ions and facilitates efficient intercalation kinetics even at ultrafast charge/discharge rates of >100 C. Importantly, photothermally reduced graphene anodes are structurally robust and display outstanding stability and cycling ability. At charge/discharge rates of ~40 C, photoreduced graphene anodes delivered a steady capacity of ~156 mAh/g(anode) continuously over 1000 charge/discharge cycles, providing a stable power density of ~10 kW/kg(anode). Such electrodes are envisioned to be mass scalable with relatively simple and low-cost fabrication procedures, thereby providing a clear pathway toward commercialization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Electric Power Supplies*
  • Electrodes*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Graphite / radiation effects
  • Hot Temperature
  • Light
  • Lithium / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure
  • Oxidation-Reduction / radiation effects

Substances

  • Graphite
  • Lithium