Self-assembled germanium/carbon nanostructures as high-power anode material for the lithium-ion battery

Simple and powerful: Two germanium/carbon nanostructures were synthesized through a facile self-assembly method. Controlling the size of the precursor germanium nanoparticles produces cluster and non-clustered nanostructures. The cluster-Ge/C sample showed better capacity retention and an exceptionally high rate performance (see picture; Q=charge capacity and V=voltage).