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.