Covalent modification of natural graphite with lithium benzoate multilayers via diazonium chemistry and their application in lithium ion batteries

In this study, we present an alternative pathway for the surface modification of anode materials of lithium ion batteries via molecular design. Aromatic multilayers of lithium benzoate were covalently attached to the surface of natural graphite through diazonium chemistry, and the resulting graphite exhibited superior electrochemical performance as anode material of lithium ion batteries. The mechanism responsible for the improved electrochemical behavior was ascribed to the formation of a stable and compact passive film that can accommodate the volume change of graphite particles. Due to the diversity and reliability of diazonium chemistry, this study may provide a new strategy to modify the conventional anode or even cathode materials of lithium ion batteries.