Partially crystalline Zn₂GeO₄ nanorod/graphene composites as anode materials for high performance lithium ion batteries.

Zn2GeO4 nanorod/graphene composites (ZGCs) were yielded by a two-step hydrothermal processing. Crystalline and amorphous regions were found to coexist in a single Zn2GeO4 nanorod. The surface of the Zn2GeO4 nanorod was compactly covered and anchored by graphene sheets. The ZGCs were then utilized as anodes for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Intriguingly, partially crystalline ZGC containing 10.2 wt % graphene possessed excellent electrochemical performance, namely, high reversible capacity (1020 mA h g(-1) in the first cycle), favorable cyclic performance (768 mA h g(-1) after 50 cycles), and commendable rate capability (780 mA h g(-1) at the current density of 0.8A g(-1)). The amorphous region in partially crystalline Zn2GeO4 nanorods and the elastic graphene sheets provided the accommodation of volume change during the charge and discharge processes. These advantageous attributes make ZGCs the potential anode materials for LIBs.