Partially crystalline Zn₂GeO₄ nanorod/graphene composites as anode materials for high performance lithium ion batteries

Zn₂GeO₄ nanorod/graphene composites (ZGCs) were yielded by a two-step hydrothermal processing. Crystalline and amorphous regions were found to coexist in a single Zn₂GeO₄ nanorod. The surface of the Zn₂GeO₄ nanorod was compactly covered and anchored by graphene sheets. The ZGCs were then utilized as anodes for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Intriguingly, partially crystalline ZGC containing 10.2 wt % graphene possessed excellent electrochemical performance, namely, high reversible capacity (1020 mA h g^-1 in the first cycle), favorable cyclic performance (768 mA h g^-1 after 50 cycles), and commendable rate capability (780 mA h g^-1 at the current density of 0.8A g ^-1). The amorphous region in partially crystalline Zn ₂GeO₄ nanorods and the elastic graphene sheets provided the accommodation of volume change during the charge and discharge processes. These advantageous attributes make ZGCs the potential anode materials for LIBs.