Coal char derived few-layer graphene anodes for lithium ion batteries

Few-layer graphene films were synthesized through chemical vapor deposition technique using coal char as solid carbon source. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction were used to characterize the graphene films. The electrochemical performance of the coal char derived few layer graphene anodes for lithium ion batteries was investigated by charge/discharge curves and discharge capacity at different current densities. The graphene anode maintained the reversible capacity at ~0.025, 0.013, and 0.007 mAh/cm² at a current density of 10, 30, and 50 μA/cm², respectively. The coal char derived graphene anodes show potential applications in thin film batteries for nanoelectronics.