Synthesis and electrochemical characterization of graphene nanoribbon stacks functionalized with buckyballs

Abstract

Graphene nanoribbons were prepared from commercially-available multi-walled carbon nanotubes and in situ functionalized with C60 - buckyballs. The physical properties of the synthesized functionalized material were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, evolved gas analysis and Raman spectroscopy, and were compared to non-functionalized material. Further, electrochemical characterization was done to evaluate the redox- activity and capacity of the material in Li-ion batteries. Comparison to non-functionalized material shows improved capacity at lower current densities.