Pillared Graphene Sheets with High-Rate Performance as Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Graphene oxide (GO) and polyaniline (PANI) are key precursors for advanced composite materials.
• Intercalation strategies are crucial for enhancing the properties of layered materials like graphene.
• Nitrogen doping can significantly improve the electrochemical performance of carbon-based materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a pillared graphene composite (GP) with enhanced electrochemical properties.
• To investigate the effect of in situ polymerization and carbonization of GO and PANI on material structure.
• To evaluate the performance of the GP composite as an electrode material for energy storage applications.

Main Methods:

• In situ polymerization of graphene oxide (GO) and polyaniline (PANI) precursors.
• Subsequent carbonization to form pillared graphene composite (GP).
• Electrochemical characterization including capacity and rate capability measurements.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 200% increase in interlayer spacing of GO (to 1.418 nm) via aniline monomer intercalation.
• Synthesized nitrogen-doped GP with approximately 4.49 atom% nitrogen.
• Exhibited a high reversible capacity of 653 mAh g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹ and excellent rate capability (343 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹).

Conclusions:

• The pillared and nitrogen-doped structure of the GP composite significantly enhances electrochemical performance.
• GP demonstrates superior energy storage capabilities compared to pristine graphene.
• The developed synthesis method offers a promising route for advanced electrode materials.