BACKGROUND
Graphene and carbon nanofibers have shown outstanding advantages as anode materials in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) because of their prominent electronic conductivity, outstanding flexibility, high theoretical specific capacity, high specific surface, and chemical durability. Free‐standing nanocomposite mats from graphene and carbon nanofibers, without any conductive additive and binder, could improve the weight energy density of the LIBs.
RESULTS
Nitrogen‐doped carbon fiber‐reduced graphene oxide (NCNFs‐rGO) mats are fabricated by high‐temperature thermal treatment of graphene oxide/polyacrylonitrile (PAN‐GO) nanofiber composite mats via a simple electrospinning method. The resultant free‐standing NCNFs‐rGO mats which were systematically characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical properties as an anode for LIBs were also measured. Without any conductive additive and binder, the resultant free‐standing NCNFs‐rGO mats were directly used as an anode material in LIBs.
CONCLUSION
The LIBs with NCNFs‐rGO mats as anodes exhibited a high rate capability and long cycle stability owing to the structural integrity and highly electrical conductivity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry