Sandwich-like Cr2O3–graphite intercalation composites as high-stability anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Novel sandwich-like Cr₂O₃–graphite intercalation composites (Cr₂O₃–GICs) were synthesized via an intercalation–transformation method. Cr₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) are intercalated between the adjacent carbon layers of graphite and tightly immobilized. The Cr₂O₃–GICs show promising performance as anode materials for LIBs with a reversible capacity of about 480 mA h g⁻¹ and a relatively low lithium insertion potential. More importantly, the Cr₂O₃–GICs demonstrate an extremely promising stable cycling performance with over 100% capacity retention after 1000 cycles. Furthermore, the intercalation–transformation method also provides another fabrication method of graphene-based assembled materials.