N/S co-doped nanocomposite of graphene oxide and graphene-like organic molecules as all-carbonaceous anode material for high-performance Li-ion batteries

In this study, to enhance the electrochemical performance of graphene-based anodes for Li-ion batteries (LIBs), we synthesized an all-carbonaceous N/S co-doped nanocomposite of graphene oxide (GO) and graphene-like small organic molecules (GOM) using a mild, eco-friendly, one-step hydrothermal method with thiourea (CH4N2S) (denoted as h-N/S-GO/GOM). The thiourea facilitated N/S co-doping and pi-pi bonding, which improved the interaction between hydrophilic GO and hydrophobic GOM in aqueous solution. Notably, the formation of pi-pi bonds between GO and GOM created pathways that enhanced electron transfer, thereby promoting efficient Li-ion transport from the electrolyte through the channels during rapid charge-discharge cycles. Additionally, the functional groups resulting from N/S co-doping increased the number of active sites within the nanocomposite. Consequently, the h-N/S-GO/GOM anode demonstrated superior electrochemical performance, achieving an average reversible capacity of 1265 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1) and retaining 83.0 % of its capacity after 200 cycles. Furthermore, the nanocomposite exhibited excellent long-term cycling stability, maintaining a capacity of 688 mAh g(-1) even after 1000 cycles at a high current density of 1.0 A g(-1). The hierarchical network structure of the all-carbonaceous h-N/S-GO/GOM anode facilitated efficient charge transfer between the electrode and electrolyte through shorter diffusion paths for Li-ion transport and provided additional active sites, contributing to its outstanding electrical performance. The h-N/S-GO/GOM nanocomposite represents a promising alternative to traditional graphite-based anodes, offering a path toward high-performance, eco-friendly LIBs suitable for applications such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems.