Electrochemical performance of Bi2Te3/GO composite anode for LIB application

Present investigation deals with the study of electrochemical properties of Bi2Te3/GO composite for its use as anode material in Li-ion batteries. The Bi2Te3/GO composite has been synthesized via polyol route. The surface morphology and structural properties of the as-prepared samples have been studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy techniques. The phase of as-synthesized composite was found out to be rhombohedral as has been characterized by X-ray diffractometer. The presence of GO in the Bi2Te3 matrix has been confirmed by the presence of characteristic D and G bands in the Raman spectra. The as-synthesized composite showed the first cycle discharge/charge capacity of 752/514 mAh g(-1) at the current density of 0.1 Ag-1, superior rate capability (~50 mAh g(-1) at 2 Ag-1), and excellent cycling stability over 500 cycles at 0.1 Ag-1. The presence of GO in the matrix helps to enhance the electronic conductivity due to the rapid Li-ion diffusion and helps to shield the changes in volume during the cycling processes.