Optimizing Graphene Anode Performance in Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Investigating the Effects of Diverse Thermal Conditions.

Herein, the graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) anode is prepared using a facile, chemical‐free, and scalable approach that combines probe sonication and microwave treatment in an argon condition. The resulting GNPs exhibit a significant number of structural defects (ID/IG: 0.262), which provide abundant active sites to store lithium ions and offer sufficient pathways for the quick transfer of lithium ions and electrons. In lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), the GNPs anode exhibits an outstanding electrochemical performance, achieving a high reversible 414 mAh g−1 capacity at the high current density of 1 A g−1 after 350 cycles. The anode maintains desirable capacities of 167 and 150 mAh g−1 even at elevated current densities of 4 and 5 A g−1, respectively. Importantly, it exhibits remarkable cycling performance with more than 100% of the initial reversible capacity retention after 350 cycles. The outcomes show noticeably enhanced performance characteristics, suggesting the potential for developing microwave‐treated graphene anode for long‐lasting and high‐performance LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]