Lithium storage properties of NiO/reduced graphene oxide composites derived from different oxidation degrees of graphite oxide

Abstract Transition metal oxide/reduced graphene oxide (TMO/RGO) composites have been explored for development as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs); TMOs have high theoretical capacities, and the oxidation degrees of RGO sheets can directly affect the lithium storage performance of TMO/RGO composites. In this work, several NiO/reduced graphene oxide composites (NiO/RGO) are prepared based on oxidation degrees of graphite oxide sheets (GOs) through an ultrasonic agitation method. These composites are then explored as anodes for LIBs. Results show that the reversible capacity of NiO/RGO composites increases gradually to 1046 mA h/g and then declines to 956 mA h/g after 50 cycles at 100 mA/g. The variation rule of lithium storage properties of NiO/RGO samples can be attributed to the surface functional groups of RGO sheets, which can affect interfacial interaction between NiO and RGO sheets due to the different oxidation degrees of GO. Different RGO sheets also show distinct abilities to hinder NiO pulverisation and promote lithium-ion/electron diffusion during repeated charge and discharge processes.