Architecture design of nitrogen-doped 3D bubble-like porous graphene for high performance sodium ion batteries

Abstract

N-Doped 3D bubble-like porous graphene was synthesized via a simple template directed method using polystyrene nanospheres as a template and low-cost industrial melamine as the nitrogen source. The as-synthesized N-3DPGX possessed a high specific surface area, uniform and controllable porous structure and high nitrogen doping content. Benefiting from these features, the as-obtained N-3DPG4 as an anode for sodium ion batteries delivered a high specific capacity of 310 mA h g⁻¹ after 500 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g⁻¹, and also excellent rate capability as high as 169 mA h g⁻¹ at 10 A g⁻¹. This simple synthetic method, unique porous structure and outstanding electrochemical performance demonstrated that N-3DPG is a promising candidate for application in sodium ion batteries for large-scale electrochemical energy storage.