Conducting additive-free amorphous GeO2/C composite as a high capacity and long-term stability anode for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

In this study, a novel method has been proposed for synthesizing amorphous GeO₂/C composites. The amorphous GeO₂/C composite without carbon black as an electrode for Li-ion batteries exhibited a high specific capacity of 914 mA h g⁻¹ at the rate of C/2 and enhanced rate capability. The amorphous GeO₂/C electrode exhibited excellent electrochemical stability with a 95.3% charge capacity retention after 400 charge–discharge cycles, even at a high current charge–discharge of C/2. Furthermore, a full cell employing the GeO₂/C anode and the LiCoO₂ cathode displayed outstanding cycling performance. The superior performance of the GeO₂/C electrode enables the amorphous GeO₂/C to be a potential anode material for secondary Li-ion batteries.