Synthesis of Cu2O/reduced graphene oxide composites as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

A facile way was used to synthesize Cu2O/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites with octahedron-like morphology in aqueous solution without any surfactant. TEM images of the obtained Cu2O/rGOs reveal that the Cu2O particles and rGO distribute hierarchically and the primary Cu2O particles are encapsulated well in the graphene nanosheets. The electrochemical performance of Cu2O/rGOs is enhanced compared with bare Cu2O when they are employed as anode materials for lithium ion batteries. The Cu2O/rGO composites maintain a reversible capacity of 348.4 mA.h/g after 50 cycles at a current density of 100 mA/g. In addition, the composites retain 305.8 mA.h/g after 60 cycles at various current densities of 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 mA/g.