Aligned graphene array anodes with dendrite-free behavior for high-performance Li-ion batteries

Abstract Low rate-performance and safety issue associated with lithium dendrite plating under abuse conditions seriously limit the further application of graphite-based anode for lithium storage. Here, we report a high-performance, dendrite-free anode enabled by highly-ordered graphene arrays. This rationally designed anode consists of periodically arranged graphene sheets and interlayer-pillared carbon dots. This resultant anode performs a specific capacity of 64.5 mAh g−1 at high current density of 6 C, ~4.5 times higher than the commercial graphite anode counterpart. More importantly, the resultant anode performs lithium dendrite-free behavior even after over-lithiation, indicating its fast Li-ion transport kinetics and high structural stability. The current work provides a simple and effective strategy on electrode materials for fast charging and safe LIBs towards practical applications.