Exfoliated clay nanosheets as an efficient additive for improving the electrode functionality of graphene-based nanocomposites. Issue 3 (19th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adpakpang, Kanyaporn; Oh, Seung Mi; Park, Boyeon; Hwang, Seong-Ju
• Is Part Of: Inorganic chemistry frontiers. Volume 4:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 521
• Page End: 529
• Publication Date: 2017-01-19
• Subjects: Chemistry, Inorganic -- Periodicals; 546.05
• DOI: 10.1039/c6qi00446f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-1553

Abstract

Abstract : A remarkable enhancement of the LIB electrode activity of graphene-based nanocomposites can be achieved via the incorporation of clay nanosheets. Abstract : An effective and economical method to enhance the electrode activity of metal oxide–graphene nanocomposites has been developed using exfoliated clay nanosheets as an additive. The close similarities in 2D sheet-like morphologies and negative surface charges between exfoliated clay and graphene nanosheets make possible the homogeneous mixing of these two colloidal nanosheets. The crystal growth of Mn3 O4 nanocrystals on the surface of negatively-charged clay/graphene nanosheets in the presence of ammonia yields Mn3 O4 –N-doped graphene–clay nanocomposites. The incorporation of rigid clay nanosheets is effective in decreasing the strong π–π interaction and severe aggregation of graphene nanosheets and in optimizing the porosity of the resulting nanocomposites. The clay-incorporated Mn3 O4 –N-doped graphene–clay nanocomposites show better electrode performance for lithium ion batteries than the clay-free homologue, underscoring the beneficial effect of clay addition on the electrochemical activity of Mn3 O4 –N-doped graphene nanocomposites. This is attributable to the improvement of charge transport properties and the optimization of pore structure upon the addition of clay nanosheets. The addition of clay nanosheets is also effective in improving the electrode performance of graphene-based nanocomposites for sodium ion batteries, confirming the universal usefulness of exfoliated clay nanosheets as an additive for exploring efficient electrode materials.