Abstract
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Two dimensional (2D) nanomaterials with high gravimetric capacity and rate capability are a key strategy
for the anode of a Li-ion battery, but they still pose a challenge for Li-ion storage due to limited
conductivity and an inability to alleviate the volume change upon lithiation and delithiation. In this
paper, we report the construction of a 3D architecture anode consisting of exfoliated 2D layered graphitic
carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets (CN-rGO) by hydrothermal
synthesis. First, bulk g-C3N4 is converted to nanosheets to increase the edge density of the inert basal
planes since the edges act as active Li-storage sites. This unique 3D architecture, which consists of
ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets sandwiched between conductive rGO networks, exhibits a capacity of
970 mA h g1 after 300 cycles, which is 15 fold higher than the bulk g-C3N4. The tuning of the intrinsic
structural properties of bulk g-C3N4 by this simple bottom-up synthesis has rendered a 3D architectured
material (CN-rGO) as an effective negative electrode for high energy storage applications.