Topological Transformation of Hydrogen-Terminated Germanium to Germanium Nanosheets for Fast Lithium Storage

Germanium has been recognized as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity and excellent lithium-ion diffusivity. Nonetheless, it is challenging to enhance both the high-rate performance and long-term cycling stability simultaneously. This study introduces a novel heterostructure composed of germanium nanosheets integrated with graphene (Ge NSs@Gr). These nanosheets undergo an in situ phase transformation from a hydrogen-terminated multilayer germanium compound termed germanane (GeH) derived via topochemical deintercalation from CaGe2. This approach mitigates oxidation and prevents restacking by functionalizing the exfoliated germanane with octadecenoic organic molecules. The resultant germanium nanosheets retain their structural integrity from CaGe2 and present an exposed, active (111) surface that features an open crystal lattice, facilitating swift lithium-ion migration conducive to lithium storage. The composite material delivers a substantial reversible capacity of 1220 mA h g–1 at a current density of 0.2 C and maintains a capacity of 456 mA h g–1 even at an ultrahigh current density of 10 C over extended cycling. Impressively, a capacity of 316 mA h g–1 remains after 5000 cycles. The exceptional high-rate performance and durable cycling stability underscore the Ge NSs@Gr anode’s potential as a highly viable option for LIBs.