Self-assembly of a CoFe2O4/graphene sandwich by a controllable and general route: towards a high-performance anode for Li-ion batteries

Abstract

A CoFe₂O₄-nanocrystal/graphene-nanosheet (CFO/GS) nanohybrid has been synthesized by a facile in situ solvothermal route and has been investigated as a promising high-performance anode material for Li-ion batteries. The crystal size of CoFe₂O₄ can be controlled to 10–20 nm by pre-treating the precursors before the solvothermal reactions. The method for synthesizing the CFO/GS hybrid can be extended to synthesize MFe₂O₄/graphene (MFe₂O₄/G, M = Mn and Ni) hybrids. The CFO/GS hybrid exhibits superior cycling stability and rate capability compared to bare CoFe₂O₄. The improved electrochemical performance can be attributed to a combination of the conducting, confining and dispersing effects of graphene.