Electrochemical performance of Bi ₂ Te ₃ /GO composite anode for LIB application

Abstract Present investigation deals with the study of electrochemical properties of Bi ₂ Te ₃ /GO composite for its use as anode material in Li‐ion batteries. The Bi ₂ Te ₃ /GO composite has been synthesized via polyol route. The surface morphology and structural properties of the as‐prepared samples have been studied by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy techniques. The phase of as‐synthesized composite was found out to be rhombohedral as has been characterized by X‐ray diffractometer. The presence of GO in the Bi ₂ Te ₃ matrix has been confirmed by the presence of characteristic D and G bands in the Raman spectra. The as‐synthesized composite showed the first cycle discharge/charge capacity of 752/514 mAh g ⁻¹ at the current density of 0.1 Ag ⁻¹ , superior rate capability (~50 mAh g ⁻¹ at 2 Ag ⁻¹ ), and excellent cycling stability over 500 cycles at 0.1 Ag ⁻¹ . The presence of GO in the matrix helps to enhance the electronic conductivity due to the rapid Li‐ion diffusion and helps to shield the changes in volume during the cycling processes.