The thermal expansion exfoliation technology and lithium promoter assistant afford CuOx/graphene as a high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

The ability to rationally design a copper oxide anode with superior rate performance that possesses an ultra-small particle size is highly desirable for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, the rapid and effective thermal expansion exfoliation technology was employed to synthesize ultra-small CuO_x nanoparticles (∼2.7 nm) uniformly dispersed on graphite oxide after popping (CuO_x/Li-PGO), in which the addition of lithium promoted the exfoliation process to obtain an enlarged specific surface area and efficient transfer ability of PGO. The CuO_x/Li-PGO electrode achieved a reversible capacity as high as 512.1 mA h g⁻¹ under 2.0 A g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles, demonstrating superior rate performance and cycling stability.