Redox synthesis of poly (p-phenylenediamine)-reduced graphene oxide for the improvement of electrochemical performance of lithium titanate in lithium-ion battery anode

Poly (p-phenylenediamine)-reduced graphene oxide/lithium titanate (PpPDA-RGO)/Li4Ti5O12 (PG/LTO) nanocomposites were prepared by a simple one-step synthesis procedure using the redox reactions of a graphene oxide/LTO (GO/LTO) suspension and p-phenylenediamine (pPDA). The effect of pPDA on both the reduction of GO and the electrochemical performance in a lithium battery anode was systematically evaluated at different pPDA loadings. The rate capabilities of the PG/LTO nanocomposites were found to be superior to those of both GO/LTO and pristine LTO. Optimum electrochemical performance was ultimately obtained with a pPDA:GO ratio of 3:1. The use of pPDA increased the reduction of GO/LTO and ensured good contact between the RGO and LTO, thereby increasing the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.