Binder-free Ge-three dimensional graphene electrodes for high-rate capacity Li-ion batteries

A binder-free, high-rate Ge-three dimensional (3D) graphene composite was synthesized by directly depositing Ge film atop 3D graphene grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition on Ni substrate. The Ge-3D graphene structure demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance as a lithium ion battery (LIB) anode with a reversible capacity of 1140 mAh g−1 at 1/3C over 100 cycles and 835 mAh g−1 at 8C after 60 cycles, and significantly a discharge capacity of 186 mAh g−1 was still achieved at 32C. The high capacity and outstanding stability of the Ge-3D graphene composite propose it as a promising electrode in high-performance thin film LIBs.