LAUSR

Abstract First-principles calculations forecast that germanium incorporated graphite has potential to be used as high performance negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries due to large mobility of electrons at the heterointerface. Inspired by this first-principles calculations, a novel functional structure of thin graphite nanoplatelets embedding a finely dispersed germanium component is fabricated through a scalable ball milling technique for the first time. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and electron microscopy investigation demonstrate that the obtained electrode materials exhibit mesoporous features where germanium nanoparticles are implanted into the graphitic matrix of thin flakes. Such a novel structure provides several advantages including large surface area, high accessibility of lithium ions and shortened lithium ion diffusion distances, which enable fast ion and electron transfer at the interface of electrolyte and electrode. As results, the obtained electrode demonstrates promising electrochemical performance with a charge capacity of 822 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.1 C, high rate capacity of 325 mAh g−1 at 10 C and good cyclic stability with a capacity retention of 97%. This work delivers a robust electrode design strategy as well as the most practical route for the improvement of germanium-based anodes for application in lithium-ion batteries.