High-quality mesoporous graphene particles as high-energy and fast-charging anodes for lithium-ion batteries

The application of graphene for electrochemical energy storage has received tremendous attention; however, challenges remain in synthesis and other aspects. Here we report the synthesis of high-quality, nitrogen-doped, mesoporous graphene particles through chemical vapor deposition with magnesium-oxide particles as the catalyst and template. Such particles possess excellent structural and electrochemical stability, electronic and ionic conductivity, enabling their use as high-performance anodes with high reversible capacity, outstanding rate performance (e.g., 1,138 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.2 C or 440 mA h g⁻¹ at 60 C with a mass loading of 1 mg cm⁻²), and excellent cycling stability (e.g., >99% capacity retention for 500 cycles at 2 C with a mass loading of 1 mg cm⁻²). Interestingly, thick electrodes could be fabricated with high areal capacity and current density (e.g., 6.1 mA h cm⁻² at 0.9 mA cm⁻²), providing an intriguing class of materials for lithium-ion batteries with high energy and power performance.