Effects of catalytic oxidation on the electrochemical performance of common natural graphite as an anode material for lithium ion batteries

We demonstrate for the first time that the reversible capacity of common natural graphite modified by catalytic oxidation can serve as an anode material for lithium ion batteries with above-theoretical capacity of graphite. The enhancement of reversible lithium capacity from 251 to >372 mAh g-1 results from an increase in the number of micropores and nanometer channels, which are formed by both chemical and catalytic oxidation. Lithium can also form alloys with metals used as oxidation catalysts, and these alloys may also contribute to the enhancement of reversible lithium capacity.