Scalable synthesis of Li2GeO3/expanded graphite as a high-performance anode for Li-ion batteries

A simple, economical, and easily scalable high-energy ball-milling method for the synthesis of Li2GeO3/expanded graphite (LGO/EG) as a high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries is reported. The LGO/EG exhibits a unique architecture with expanded graphite (EG) uniformly coating Li2GeO3 (LGO) particles, which effectively inhibited the agglomeration of LGO particles. The LGO/7 wt%EG anode delivers a discharge capacity of 800.6 mA h g(-1) at 5.0 A g(-1), with an outstanding capacity retention of 75.9% after 300 cycles at 1.0 A g(-1), which is 8.3% higher than that of the uncoated LGO anode. This is attributed to the introduction of EG which improves the electronic conductivity of LGO, and the uniformly coated EG can effectively inhibit the volume change of LGO particles during the charging-discharging process. As a result, LGO/EG has outstanding high-rate performance and long-term cycle stability. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.