A nitrogen-doped carbon layer coating on a 3D graphene framework (NCL@GF) was produced by the in-situ polymerization of a uniform polyimide layer on the graphene framework surface and a carbonization process. The NCL@GF exhibited a 3D macroporous structure with uniform N-doped porous carbon layers and a high 5.4 at. % nitrogen content, which not only effectively enhanced the active sites but also facilitated fast ion and electron transport in the 3D pathways. Consequently, the NCL@GF as the anode of a sodium-ion battery (SIB) exhibited a discharge capacity of 357 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 after 200 cycles, a remarkable rate capability with a capacity of 122 mAh g-1 at 8 A g-1 , and a super long cycle life with a capacity retention of 70 % capacity after 2500 cycles at 0.5 A g-1 . Such performance is superior to that of previously reported carbon or graphene-based composites.
Keywords: Anode electrode; Graphene Frameworks; N-doped carbon layer; Sodium ion battery.
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