Hierarchical structured graphene/metal oxide/porous carbon composites as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

As a novel anode material for lithium-ion batteries, CeO₂ displays imperceptible volumetric and morphological changes during the lithium insertion and extraction processes, and thereby exhibits good cycling stability. However, the low theoretical capacity and poor electronic conductivity of CeO₂ hinder its practical application. In contrast, Co₃O₄ possesses high theoretical capacity, but undergoes huge volume change during cycling. To overcome these issues, CeO₂ and Co₃O₄ nanoparticles are formed inside the pores of CMK-3 and display various electrochemical behaviors due to the different morphological structures of CeO₂ and Co₃O₄ within CMK-3. Moreover, the graphene/metal oxide/CMK-3 composites with a hierarchical structure are then prepared and exhibit better electrochemical performances than metal oxides with or without CMK-3. This novel synthesis strategy is hopefully employed in the electrode materials design for Li-ion batteries or other energy conversion and storage devices.