Catalyst-free direct growth of a single to a few layers of graphene on a germanium nanowire for the anode material of a lithium battery.

Direct growth of a single to a few layers of graphene on a germanium nanowire (Gr/Ge NW; see picture) was achieved by a metal-catalyst-free chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. The Gr/Ge NW was used as anode in a lithium ion battery. This material has a specific capacity of 1059 mA h g(-1) at 4.0 C, a long cycle life over 200 cycles, and a high capacity retention of 90%.