Abstract

High-performance rechargeable lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have been one of the most important power sources in today's portable electronics and practical electric vehicle and plug-in electric vehicle applications. However, many crucial challenges could be addressed to obtain high-performance LIBs for further practical applications. Since the successful isolation of single graphene nanosheets via mechanical exfoliation in 2004 awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010, graphene nanosheets (GNSs), a new class of two-dimensional (one atom thick) carbon allotrope arranged in a hexagonal lattice with very strong sp²-hybridized bonds, have attracted great interests in high-performance LIBs. Owing to various remarkable properties including ultra-high surface area, high electrical conductivity, and high chemical stability, GNSs show promising advantages in the applications of high-performance LIBs. This chapter highlights the recent development and understanding of GNS anodes and their applications, including (i) brief synthesis methods of GNSs; (ii) detailed modification approaches of GNSs; (iii) designs of free-standing GNS paper; and (iv) significant effects of various GNS anodes on lithium storage behavior, and thereby increased anode performance of LIBs.