Evaluation and Characterization of Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanosheets as Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

High quality reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets were prepared from natural graphite through oxidation followed by solvothermal reduction method. The morphology, structure and composition of graphene oxide (GO) and rGO were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Raman spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrochemical performances of rGO nanosheets as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries were evaluated in coin-type cells versus metallic lithium. Results showed that the obtained rGO exhibited a higher reversible specific capacity of 561 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1 and 166 mAh g-1 at a current density of 4000 mA g-1. The excellent cycling stability and high-rate capability of rGO as anodes of lithium-ion battery were attributed to its few layers structure, large-size sheet, and fast transport kinetics of Li-ion and electron on the interface of electrolyte/electrode.