Graphene reinforced carbon nanofiber engineering enhances Li storage performances of germanium oxide

Abstract

The rational design of electrode materials with high power and energy densities, good operational safety, and long cycle life remains a great challenge for developing advanced battery systems. As a promising electrode material for rechargeable batteries, germanium oxide (GeO₂) shows high capacity, but suffers from rapid capacity fading caused by its large volume variation during charge/discharge processes and poor rate performance owing to low intrinsic electronic conductivity. In this study, a novel one-dimensional (1D) carbon/graphene-nanocable–GeO₂ nanocomposite (denoted as GeO₂/nanocable) is rationally designed and prepared via a facile electrospinning method. Specifically, amorphous carbon and graphene spontaneously construct a nanocable structure, in which graphene acts as the “core” and amorphous carbon as the “shell”, and GeO₂ nanoparticles are encapsulated in the nanocable. The graphene “core” promises good electrical conductivity while the amorphous carbon “shell” guarantees fast Li ions diffusion. When tested as an anode material for rechargeable lithium ion batteries, the GeO₂/nanocable exhibits remarkable Li storage performance, including high reversible capacity (900 mA h g⁻¹), high capacity retention (91% after 100 cycles), and good rate performance (595 mA h g⁻¹ at 5000 mA g⁻¹).