A synthesis of graphene/Co3O4 thin films for lithium ion battery anodes by coelectrodeposition

We report on a facile strategy for the direct and uniform deposition of a graphene/Co3O4 thin film onto stainless steel substrate (SS) through cathodic deposition. Graphene oxides (GOs) were treated with poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) which acted as a stabilizer and binder between GOs and cationic metal precursor. For the formation of PEI-modified GOs (PEI-GOs) and Co2+ complexes, the PEI-GOs dispersion was mixed with aqueous phase of Co(NO3)(2), then, the solution was used as the plating bath for coelectrodeposition. Results showed that the PEI-GOs and cobalt oxides were uniformly distributed on the surface of SS evidenced by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The prepared graphene/Co3O4 film was employed as an anode material for lithium ion batteries, and it exhibited not only an enhanced cycleability but also high electronic conductivity. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.