Review on Graphene Composites as Anode Materials for Lithium - Ion Batteries

Abstract

This review explores the research progress of graphene composites with cobalt tetroxide (Co₃O₄), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), and silicon (Si) as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Graphene, with its excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and high specific surface area, plays a key role in the composites: it effectively enhances the conductive network of the electrode, buffers the active materials, accommodates the huge volume changes during lithium-ion insertion and extraction, and inhibits particle agglomeration. Co₃O₄-graphene composites significantly improve the accessibility of high theoretical capacity and cycling stability; TiO₂-graphene systems mainly overcome the bottleneck of poor intrinsic conductivity, exhibiting excellent rate performance and ultra-long cycle life; for Si with ultra-high capacity, graphene matrices or coating layers are core strategies to alleviate its severe volume expansion and maintain structural integrity. Cyclic voltammetry measurements are performed on different composites to compare the performance differences between composites and pure substances as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, providing important directions for the development of high-performance lithium battery anodes.