Nanomaterials have been used as the electrodes of lithium-ion batteries during the past years. Designing nanomaterials with a simple method is signi cant for saving the cost of lithium-ion batteries that will be applied in electric vehicles and portable electronic devices. In this study, a simple one-pot strategy was proposed to grow MO x (M = Co, Ni, Cu) metal oxide nanoparticles on N-doped reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets. The MO x /N-doped rGO composites were subsequently studied as the anodes of lithium-ion batteries. Results demonstrated that the one-pot method effectively prevents the aggregation of nanoparticles and the restacking of graphene sheets, which is important to improve the electrochemical performance of composites. Electrochemical measurements of the three composites as anode materials exhibited the high reversible capacitance, rate capability, and cyclic stability. The proposed simple one-pot method may provide researchers and industry with a new strategy to manufacture cost-effective graphene-based nanomaterials for high performance anodes of lithium-ion batteries.
HighlightsA simple one-pot strategy was proposed to grow MOx (M = Co, Ni, Cu) metal oxide nanoparticles on N-doped reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets.Urea was used as both the crosslinking agent and nitrogen source during the one-pot synthesis.Electrochemical performance of three composite were investigated as the anode materials of lithiumion batteries.Anodes exhibited the high reversible capacity, excellent rate performance, and ideal cycling performance.