Tailored lithium storage performance of graphene aerogel anodes with controlled surface defects for lithium-ion batteries

Three dimensional self-assembled graphene aerogel (GA) anode materials with some surface defects have been successfully generated through a facile hydrothermal procedure using graphene oxide as precursor. The morphologies and textural properties of as-obtained GA were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman and other spectroscopy techniques. The surface defects and electrical conductivities of GA can be controlled by adjusting the hydrothermal reaction time. The results indicate that GA with a reaction time of 6 h exhibits extremely high reversible capacity (1430 mAh g(-1) at the current density of 100 mAg(-1)) and superior rate capability (587 mAhg(-1) at 800 mA g(-1)) with excellent cycling stability (maintaining a reversible capacity of 960 mAh g(-1) at 100 mA g(-1) after 100 cycles). It is demonstrated that the 3D porous network with increased defect density, as well as the considerable electrical conductivity, results in the excellent electrochemical performance of the as-made GA anodes in lithium-ion batteries. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.