Overview of Graphene as Anode in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Graphene, as a fabulously new-emerging carbonaceous material with an ideal two-dimensional rigid honeycomb structure, has drawn extensive attention in the field of material science due to extraordinary properties, including mechanical robustness, large specific surface area, desirable flexibility, and high electronic conductivity. In particular, as an auxiliary material of electrode materials, it has the potential to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. However, wide utilization of graphene in lithium-ion batteries is not implemented since tremendous challenges and issues, such as quality, quantity, and cost concerns, hinder its commercialization. There remains a debate whether graphene can act as an impetus in the evolution of lithium-ion batteries. In this review, we summarize the desirable properties, several common synthesis methods as well as applications of graphene as the anode in lithium-ion batteries, seeking to provide insightful guidelines for further development of graphene-based lithium-ion batteries.