Two-dimensional Cr2O3 and interconnected graphene-Cr2O3 nanosheets: synthesis and their application in lithium storage

In this manuscript, we have proposed a new facile method for the synthesis of pure Cr2O3 nanosheets without foreign templates for the first time. We used Na2CrO4 and graphene oxide as the oxidant and reductant templates, respectively, in a hydrothermal reaction in order to synthesize porous Cr(OH)(3) nanosheet precursors. By controlling the proportion of graphene oxide and Cr(VI), the carbon framework could be partially retained, resulting in graphene-divided porous Cr(OH)(3) nanosheets. After calcination at 700 degrees C, these graphene oxide-derived Cr(OH)(3) nanosheets were transformed into pure Cr2O3 nanosheets or interconnected graphene-Cr2O3 nanomaterials. The graphene-Cr2O3 nanosheets exhibited an excellent rate capability and cycling performance as an anode material in lithium ion batteries (LIB), as well as a high reversible capacity of 850 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 200 mA g(-1), which is the highest capacity reported for Cr2O3 anode materials.