Simple method for synthesizing few-layer graphene as cathodes in surface-enabled lithium ion-exchanging cells

In order to realize a wider application for graphene materials specifically in the field of energy storage, a simple and mass-scalable method described as “the atmospheric, low-temperature, shock-heating process” is proposed in this work. During this low-temperature process, the graphite oxide without pre-treatment is completely exfoliated to form the few-layer graphene materials at atmospheric conditions. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET)-specific surface area of acquired material at 350 °C can reach 487 m² g^?1. The acquired few-layer graphene materials are also confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The results demonstrate that this simple method is feasible for synthesizing the few-layer graphene materials. Besides that, the acquired graphene is also used as the cathode material in the surface-enabled lithium ion-exchanging cell. The galvanostatic charge/discharge tests show that the graphene prepared from this method is suitable for this system and displays a satisfactory electrochemical performance. The acquired graphene sample exhibits the reversible capacities of around 187, 107, 84, 58, and 45 mAh g^?1 at 0.1, 2, 5, 10, and 15 A g^?1, respectively. At the current density of 0.5 A g^?1, the capacity retention can reach 75 % after 2000 cycles.