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Binders play a critical role in rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) by holding granular electrode materials, conductive carbons, and current collectors firmly together to form and maintain a continuous electron conduction phase with sufficient mechanical strength. In the commercial LIBs, the dominant binder is polyvinylidene fluoride for the cathode (LiCoO2, LiFePO4, LiNixCotyMnzO2, etc.) and carboxyl methylcellulose/styrene‐butadiene rubber for the anode (graphite and Li4Ti5O12). However, these polymer binders have several drawbacks, particularly, a lack of electronic and lithium‐ion conductivities. Here, a novel organic/inorganic hybrid conductive binder (LAP‐rGO) for both the anode and cathode of LIBs is reported. The binder consists of 2D reduced graphene oxide sheets with anchored long alkane chains. Electrodes prepared using this binder exhibit sufficient high bond strength, fast electrolyte diffusion, high rate charge/discharge performance, and excellent cycling stability. Around 130 mAh g−1 capacity enhancement at 5C is demonstrated for LiFePO4 and Li4Ti5O12 electrodes owing to the combined improvement in electron and lithium ion transportation. LAP‐rGO bond graphite anode shows specific capacity beyond its theoretical value. Electrode slurries prepared using this new binder have superior processing and coating properties that can be prepared under a high humidity and dried using less energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a recently emerging group of 2D materials, MXene has attracted extensive attention in the energy storage field in recent years owing to their outstanding features. However, the notorious issues of inevitable oxidation stability and surface‐to‐surface self‐restacking for MXene significantly prevent its further wide‐ranging application. Herein, the 3D macroporous oxidation‐resistant Ti3C2Tx MXene/graphene/carbon nanotube (MRC) hybrid hydrogels are prepared by a simple gelation method assisted by l‐cysteine as crosslinker and l‐ascorbic acid (VC) as reductant. Benefitting from the effectively alleviated restacking, excellent electrical conductivity, and the 3D inter‐crosslinked macroporous architecture, as a supercapacitor electrode, the obtained MRC aerogel exhibits a superior specific capacitance of 349 F g−1, unparalleled rate capability (52.0% at 3000 mV s−1) and amazing cyclic stability (retention of 97.1% after 100 000 cycles). Moreover, the 3D MRC‐30 aerogel exhibits an impressive oxidation‐resistant performance with just a 9.3% increase in electrical resistance after storing in ambient condition for 60 days, effectively alleviating the oxidation problem of MXene. This work demonstrates a new method for construction of 3D oxidation‐resistant MXene hydrogel, shedding new light on the promising applications of MXene materials, especially in high humidity and oxygen environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D MXene materials have attracted intensive attention in energy storage application. However, MXene usually undergoes serious face‐to‐face restacking and inferior stability, significantly preventing its further commercial application. Herein, to suppress the oxidation and self‐restacking of MXene, an efficient and fast self‐assembly route to prepare a 3D porous oxidation‐resistant MXene/graphene (PMG) composite with the assistance of an in situ sacrificial metallic zinc template is demonstrated. The self‐assembled 3D porous architecture can effectively prevent the oxidation of MXene layers with no evident variation in electrical conductivity in air at room temperature after two months, guaranteeing outstanding electrical conductivity and abundant electrochemical active sites accessible to electrolyte ions. Consequently, the PMG‐5 electrode possesses a striking specific capacitance of 393 F g−1, superb rate performance (32.7% at 10 V s−1), and outstanding cycling stability. Furthermore, the as‐assembled asymmetric supercapacitor possesses a pronounced energy density of 50.8 Wh kg−1 and remarkable cycling stability with a 4.3% deterioration of specific capacitance after 10 000 cycles. This work paves a new avenue to solve the two long‐standing significant challenges of MXene in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast one‐step arc discharge exfoliation method is employed to synthesize Si/graphene composites by using a graphite rod filled with a mixture of Si powder and urea as a cathode. During the arc discharge process, the use of urea allows both the introduction of nitrogen atoms into the graphene and the uniform sealing of Si nanoparticles between the thin graphene sheets to occur simultaneously. The resulting N‐doped graphene nanosheets embedded with Si (Si@NG) can act as an electrode material for lithium‐ion batteries and delivers the reversible capacity of 1030 mAh g−1 with a current density of 200 mA g−1 over 100 cycles along with an outstanding coulombic efficiency of 96.84 %. The remarkable electrochemical rate capability performance can be owed to the multiple role of NG, which not only serves as a three‐dimensional conductive support, but also effectively limits the volume variation of Si nanoparticles. The approach proposed here is expected to be extended to the preparation of other alloy anode/graphene hybrids for lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polydopamine modified reduced graphene oxides (PDA‐rGO) are synthesized by a facile dopamine polymerization reaction. As‐prepared PDA‐rGO shows a capable electrochemical performance as an electrode material for supercapacitors. A capacitance of 120 F g−1 is achieved at current density of 2 A g−1. PDA‐rGO also presents a superior cycling performance with capacitance retention of ∼99% after 10000 cycles. The remarkable electrochemical performance is attributed to the addition of PDA, which prevents the stacking of rGO and enhances the wettability of composite. Meanwhile, the rGO with high conductivity promise fast electronic transport. Polydopamine modified reduced graphene oxides (PDA‐rGO) are synthesized by a facile dopamine polymerization reaction. A capacitance of 120 F g−1 is achieved at current density of 2 A g−1. PDA‐rGO also presents a superior cycling performance with capacitance retention of ∼99% after 10000 cycles. The remarkable electrochemical performance is attributed to the addition of PDA, which prevents the stacking of rGO and enhances the wettability of composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiMoO4 has attracted intensive attention as one of the promising ternary metal oxides because of its high specific capacitance and electrical conductivity compared to traditional transition-metal oxides. In this study, NiMoO4 nanorods uniformly decorated on graphene nanosheets (G-NiMoO4) are synthesized through a facile hydrothermal method. The prepared G-NiMoO4 composite exhibits a high specific capacitance of 714 C·g−1 at 1 A·g−1 and an excellent rate capability, with a retention ratio of 57.7% even at 100 A·g−1. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) fabricated with the G-NiMoO4 composite as the positive electrode and Fe2O3 quantum dot-decorated graphene (G-Fe2O3-QDs) as the negative electrode delivers an ultrahigh energy density of 130 Wh·kg−1, which is comparable to those of previously reported aqueous NiMoO4-based ASCs. Even when the power density reaches 33.6 kW·kg−1, an energy density of 56 Wh·kg−1 can be maintained. The ASC device exhibits outstanding cycling stability, with a capacitance retention of 113% after 40,000 cycles. These results indicate that the G-NiMoO4 composite is a promising candidate for ASCs with ultrahigh energy density and excellent cycling stability. Moreover, the present work provides an exciting guideline for the future design of high-performance supercapacitors for industrial and consumer applications via the simultaneous use of various pseudocapacitive materials with suitable potential windows as the positive and negative electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of carbon nanotubes (CNT)‐graphene (GE) or CNT‐graphite (GP) was chosen as inorganic fillers to form synergetic modification of poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO). Microstructure, electrical conductivity, dielectric permittivity and heat dissipation were characterized to investigate the performance difference of the composites containing CNT‐GE and CNT‐GP. The results indicated that PPO‐based composites with CNT‐GE could exhibit better electric and thermal performance than those with CNT‐GP when the adding filler was at same content. PPO‐based composite with 1.0 wt% GE and 7.5 wt% CNT exhibited glass transition temperature of 148.2°C, electrical conductivity of 3.7 × 10−6 S·cm−1 at 1 kHz, dielectric permittivity of 283 at 1 kHz and thermal conductivity of 0.73 W·m−1·K−1. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1920–E1927, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile one-pot solvothermal method has been used to synthesize hierarchical Fe 3 O 4 microsphere and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite. The Fe 3 O 4 microspheres are assembled with nanoparticles as primary building blocks and covered by the rGO sheets. When used as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the composite displays a high specific capacity, good cycle stability, remarkable rate capability. The synergetic effect of the unique nano/micro hierarchical structure and high conductivity rGO modification promise a good soakage of electrolyte, high structure stability and enhanced electronic transition, leading to an excellent electrochemical performance. This work would open a new doorway for designing the electrode materials of lithium-ion batteries with superior performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of V2O5-based cathode materials that include V2O5 and Al0.14V2O5 nanoparticles, V2O5/reduced graphene oxide (RGO), and Al0.16V2O5/RGO nanocomposites are prepared by a simple soft chemical method. XRD and Raman scattering show that the Al ions reside in the interlayer space of the materials. These doping ions strengthen the VO bonds of the [VO5] unit and enhance the linkage of the [VO5] layers, which thus increases the structural stability of V2O5. SEM and TEM images show that the V2O5 nanoparticles construct a hybrid structure with RGO that enables fast electron transport in the electrode matrix. The electrochemical properties of the materials are studied by charge-discharge cycling, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Of all the materials tested, the one that contained both Al ions and RGO (Al0.16V2O5/RGO) exhibited the highest discharge capacity, the best rate capability, and excellent capacity retention. The superior electrochemical performance is attributed to the synergetic effects of Al3+ doping and RGO modification, which not only increase the structural stability of the V2O5 lattice but also improve the electrochemical kinetics of the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-doped graphene/Fe–Fe3C nano-composite was synthesized through a one-pot pyrolysis process of a Fe-based metal–organic framework (MIL-100(Fe)). X-ray diffraction confirms the successful formation of the Fe3C and Fe phase in the nano-composite. Transmission electron microscope and atomic force microscope observe that the Fe and Fe3C particles are in the size of 10–20 nm, which are homogeneously loaded on the N-doped graphene sheets. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that N atoms are successfully doped into the graphene sheets. The material shows a high discharge capacity of 1098 mAh g−1 at the current density of 100 mA g−1. It can still deliver a discharge capacity of 607 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 1000 mA−1, demonstrating its excellent capacity retention at high charge–discharge rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H2V3O8 nanowires wrapped by reduced graphene oxide (RGO) are synthesized successfully through a simple hydrothermal process. The structural properties of the samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman scattering, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The RGO nanosheets modify the surfaces of the H2V3O8 nanowires through VC linkages. The H2V3O8/RGO composite exhibits a remarkably enhanced electrochemical performance in terms of its reversible capacity, cyclic performance, and rate capability. The material shows high discharge capacities of 256 and 117 mA h g−1 at the current densities of 0.1 and 1 A g−1, respectively, with almost no capacity fading after fifty charge/discharge cycles. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy show that the superior electrochemical performance of H2V3O8/RGO can be attributed to the cooperation of RGO, which provides better mechanical flexibility, higher electronic conductivity, and smaller charge-transfer resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Polymer materials containing C 6 rings and C O become promising electrode materials for high-performance lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, the poor electronic conductivity severely restricts its further application. Herein, we design and construct a pyromellitic dianhydride anhydride anthraquinone/reduced graphene oxides (PMAQ/rGO-40) composite as an anode material for LIBs. The PMAQ is uniformly wrapped by conductive rGO nanosheets. The PMAQ/rGO-40 electrode without additional conductive agents displays a discharge capacity of 253 mAh g−1 over 3000 cycles under 2A g−1, which is higher than that of the PMAQ electrode with conductive agents. Meanwhile, a capacity of 196 mAh g−1 is achieved under 5A g−1. The enhanced cycling performance and rate ability are attributed to the rGO conductive network, which promotes electronic transport capability. In addition, the lithium ion storage mechanism and kinetics in the PMAQ/rGO-40 are investigated. The excellent electrochemical performance shows the potential application of the PMAQ/rGO composite anode material for high performance LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Unique nanostructure, high electrical conductivity, satisfactory energy density, and extraordinary cycling stability are important evaluation criteria for high-efficient energy storage devices. Herein, Fe 3 O 4 nanospheres are successfully in situ decorated on graphene nanosheets through an environmentally benign and facile solvothermal procedure. When utilized as an electrode for supercapacitor, the graphene/Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposite exhibits a notably enhanced specific capacity (268 F·g−1 at 2 mV·s−1) and remarkable cycling performance with 98.9% capacity retention after 10,000 cycles. Furthermore, the fabricated graphene/MnO 2 //graphene/Fe 3 O 4 asymmetric supercapacitor device displays a desirable energy density (87.6 Wh·kg−1) and superior cycling stability (93.1% capacity retention after 10,000 cycles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous magnesium ion battery as a new energy storage system is always explored due to excellent properties with high theoretical specific capacity, low-cost and safe aqueous electrolytes. However, the study on available material as anode in aqueous magnesium ion battery is very limited, which is the main reason that the kinetics of multivalent magnesium ions deinserted from the host material is very difficult. In this work, the nanoneedle FeVO 4 ·0.9H 2 O as available anode material is prepared and further modified by compositing with graphene. The FeVO 4 ·0.9H 2 O/Graphene composite exhibits the more excellent electrochemical performance, for example, the initial discharge capacity of FeVO 4 ·0.9H 2 O/Graphene electrode at the current density of 50 mAh g −1 in 1.0 mol L −1 MgSO 4 electrolyte is 183.8 mAh g −1 , but that of the FeVO 4 ·0.9H 2 O is 150.3 mAh g −1 . Therefore, the aqueous magnesium ion full battery is successfully assembled by FeVO 4 ·0.9H 2 O/Graphene as anode, 1.0 mol L −1 MgSO 4 as electrolyte and Mg-OMS-1 as cathode, which can obtain the discharge capacity of 53.1 mAh g −1 at a current density by calculate the total mass of two electrodes and the a high energy density of 58.5 Wh kg −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium ion batteries or capacitors are a promising technology for large-scale energy storage due to the abundant resource and low cost of potassium. However, the development of stable electrode materials with high capacity, capable rate ability, and excellent cycling stability remains a challenge. Herein, carbon dots modified reduced graphene oxides (LAP-rGO-CDs) are designed and synthesized via a rapid and green microwave-assisted method with l -Ascorbic acid 6-palmitate (LAP) as the reducing agent. LAP-rGO-CDs present enlarged interlayer spacing and faster ion transfer rate owing to the introducing of carbon dots. Serving as a potassium ion battery electrode, LAP-rGO-CDs showed a high specific capacity of 299 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 and excellent cycling stability. Moreover, a LAP-rGO-CDs//AC full carbon-based potassium ion capacitor is assembled and displays a maximum energy density of 119 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 5352 W kg−1. This work demonstrates the potential application of LAP-rGO-CDs for high-performance potassium ion storage. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Defective graphene with high density of defects is prepared via Flash Joule Heating. • An ultrahigh reversible capacity of 2450 mAh g−1 is achieved for defective graphene. • Nascent defects, lithium plating and 3D structure contribute to the high capacity. • Excess lithium storage and fading mechanisms are revealed. • Insights for designing high-capacity electrodes based on defect engineering. Introducing defects is an effective approach to promote the lithium ion storage ability of host material. Constructing pure defects is beneficial to understand the lithium ion storage mechanism in the defects. Herein, we fabricate defective graphene without intricate functional groups via a flash Joule heating (FJH) technique within a mere 1 ms. The FJH-reduced graphene lattice harbors a multitude of defects, and its unique three-dimensional structural network enables an ultra-high lithium ion storage capacity. Moreover, the highest capacity of F-RGO-5 reaches 2500 mAh/g in the 800th cycle, its three-dimensional architecture allows it to withstand high currents and prolonged cycles without drastic failures. Nascent defects and defect-induced lithium plating predominantly contribute to capacity enhancement during cycling, while dendrite formation primarily leads to decay. Our findings present an approach to defect-based designs of high-capacity lithium anodes and provide valuable insights into their energy storage mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binary metal niobium oxides can offer a higher specific capacity compared to niobium pentoxide (Nb 2 O 5) and thus are ideal anode candidates for lithium ion capacitors (LICs). However, their lower electronic conductivity limits their ability to achieve high energy and power densities. In this paper, one-dimensional (1D) copper niobate (CuNb 2 O 6) nanowires are successfully prepared by electrospinning technology and then immobilized on two-dimensional (2D) reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets to form a unique 1D nanowire/2D nanosheet CuNb 2 O 6 /rGO structure. The 1D/2D CuNb 2 O 6 /rGO electrode exhibits a high specific capacity of 312.2 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 as the anode of LICs. The proposed Li+ storage mechanism of the CuNb 2 O 6 anode involves CuNb 2 O 6 decomposition into lithium niobate (Li 3 NbO 4) and copper (Cu) during the initial lithium insertion process. The intercalation-type Li 3 NbO 4 will further serve as the host to Li+ and the inactive Cu phase will act as a conductive network for electron transportation. Furthermore, the energy density of the assembled CuNb 2 O 6 /rGO//activated carbon (CuNb 2 O 6 /rGO//AC) device could achieve a value as high as 92.1 Wh kg−1 and could thus be considered as a possible alternative electrode material for high energy and power LICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our work, the porous carbon nanosheets (PCNs) are successfully prepared using one-step activation and carbonization of the naturally hollow tube-like dandelion fluffs. The dandelion fluff with hollow tube structure is composed of aligned nanocellulose, enabling the facile activating agent (KOH) permeation, which can activate the dandelion fluff into porous interconnected carbon nanosheets. The obtained porous interconnected graphene-like structure of the activated carbon material contributes to the electrolyte permeation and electron transfer, which is beneficial to enhance the electrochemical performances, especially the rate capability. Manganese dioxide (MnO 2 ) modified PCNs composited with MnO 2 is prepared as the positive electrode for asymmetric supercapacitor using in-situ microwave deposition method. The conformally coated MnO 2 on PCNs can facilitate the ion diffusion and the electron transport, which contribute to the enhancement of the rate performance. Herein, the assembly asymmetric supercapacitor based on PCNs and MnO 2 /PCNs composite displays an energy density as high as 28.2 Wh kg −1 at the power density of 899.36 W kg −1 and a good capacitance retention of 89% after 10,000 cycles. These results present that the graphene-like cross-linked carbon material is a promising electrode material for high-efficiency electrochemical energy storage and conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bimetallic (Ni,Mo)S 2 was synthesized through a two-step solvothermal approach. • The (Ni,Mo)S 2 /G composite exhibits high specific capacity of 951 C g−1. • The ASC device shows a ultrahigh energy density of 84.5 Wh kg−1. Thanks to their high electrical conductivity, electrochemical stability and activity, transition metal sulfides have been widely designed and developed for supercapacitors with excellent electrochemical performances. Herein, we report the NiS 2 /MoS 2 mixed phases with abundant exposed active edge sites decorated on graphene nanosheets (named as (Ni,Mo)S 2 /G) through a facile two-step hydrothermal approach. Benefitting from its unique chemical property and structure, the as-prepared (Ni,Mo)S 2 /G composite possesses impressive electrochemical performances as electrodes of battery-type supercapacitors in 2 M KOH, such as high specific capacity of 951 C g−1 (2379 F g−1) at 1 A g−1 with superb rate capability (60.7% at 100 A g−1). Additionally, the asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device assembled based on the active edge site-enriched (Ni,Mo)S 2 /G as positive electrode and nitrogen-doped porous graphene as negative electrode displays an ultrahigh energy density of 84.5 Wh kg−1, superior to those of the Ni- and Mo-based ASCs in aqueous electrolytes reported so far. Such novel strategy may hold great promise for exploring other polymetallic sulfides with abundant exposed active edge sites for energy storage and conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]