Facile Synthesis of Anatase TiO2 Quantum-Dot/Graphene-Nanosheet Composites with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance for Lithium-Ion Batteries

A facile method to synthesize well-dispersed TiO₂ quantum dots on graphene nanosheets (TiO₂-QDs/GNs) in a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion system is reported. The TiO₂/graphene composites display high performance as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), such as having high reversible lithium storage capacity, high Coulombic efficiency, excellent cycling stability, and high rate capability. The excellent electrochemical performance and special structure of the composites thus offer a way to prepare novel graphene-based electrode materials for high-energy-density and high-power LIBs. 

An in situ ionic-liquid-assisted synthetic approach to iron fluoride/graphene hybrid nanostructures as superior cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

A tactful ionic-liquid (IL)-assisted approach to in situ synthesis of iron fluoride/graphene nanosheet (GNS) hybrid nanostructures is developed. To ensure uniform dispersion and tight anchoring of the iron fluoride on graphene, we employ an IL which serves not only as a green fluoride source for the crystallization of iron fluoride nanoparticles but also as a dispersant of GNSs. Owing to the electron transfer highways created between the nanoparticles and the GNSs, the iron fluoride/GNS hybrid cathodes exhibit a remarkable improvement in both capacity and rate performance (230 mAh g^-1 at 0.1 C and 74 mAh g^-1 at 40 C). The stable adhesion of iron fluoride nanoparticles on GNSs also introduces a significant improvement in long-term cyclic performance (115 mAh g^-1 after 250 cycles even at 10 C). The superior electrochemical performance of these iron fluoride/GNS hybrids as lithium ion battery cathodes is ascribed to the robust structure of the hybrid and the synergies between iron fluoride nanoparticles and graphene. © 2013 American Chemical Society.