A Study on High-Rate Performance of Graphite Nanostructures Produced by Ball Milling as Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Graphite, with appealing features such as good stability, high electrical conductivity, and natural abundance, is still the main commercial anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The charge-discharge rate capability of graphite anodes is not significant for the development of mobile devices and electric vehicles. Therefore, the feasibility investigation of the rate capability enhancement of graphite by manipulating the structure is worthwhile and of interest. In this study, an effective ball-milling process has been set up by which graphite nanostructures with a high surface area are produced. An in-depth investigation into the effect of ball milling on graphite structure as well as electrochemical performance, particularly rate capability, is conducted. Here, we report that graphite nanoflakes with 350 m² g⁻¹ surface area deliver retained capacity of ~75 mAh g⁻¹ at 10 C (1 C = 372 mA g⁻¹). Finally, the Li⁺ surface-storage mechanism is recognised by associating the structural characteristics with electrochemical properties.