Researchers use graphene nanobuds as a novel anode material for lithium ion batteries

Researchers from Tecnológico Nacional de México, McGill University and Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados S.C. have examined the use of Graphene nanobuds (GNBs), formed on copper (Cu) foil via chemical vapor deposition, as an anode in lithium-ion batteries.Producing high-performance anode materials that possess excellent specific capacities and extended cyclic ability is currently one of the key development areas in lithium-ion batteries. The energy storage capacity of lithium-ion batteries heavily depends on the anode materials used and their structure. Carbonaceous substances remain the anode materials of choice because of the strong attraction between lithium (Li) and graphitic carbon. Graphene possesses a large capacity to accommodate lithium ions in its framework because of its significant surface area and excellent electrical conductivity.