Binder-free Ge nanoparticlescarbon hybrids for anode materials of advanced lithium batteries with high capacity and rate capabilityElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental section, TEM, SEM, SAXS, and XPS data of GeNPs/carbon hybrids, polymer electrolytes, and cycled anodes. See DOI: 10.1039/c2cc30294b

We present a facile synthetic route toward binder-free, highly-dispersed Ge nanoparticles in carbon matrices using one-step pyrolysis of self-assembled Gepolymer hybrids. 3-Dimensionally arranged Gecarbon exhibits remarkably enhanced cycling properties and rate capability compared with carbon sheathed Ge lacking organization. Binder-free GeNPscarbon hybrid anodes with highly reversible capacities and rate capability were achieved by one-step pyrolysis of self-assembled GeNPspolymer hybrids.