Nitrogen-doped graphene (N-rGO) was synthesized in the process of preparation of reduced graphene oxide from the expanded graphite through the improved Hummers’ method. The morphology, structure and composition of nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (GO) and N-rGO were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The nitrogen content of N-rGO was approximately 5 at.%. The electrochemical performances of N-rGO as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries were evaluated in coin-type cells versus metallic lithium. Results showed that the obtained N-rGO exhibited a higher reversible specific capacity of 519 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA⋅g-1 and 207.5 mAh⋅g-1 at a current density of 2000 mA⋅g-1. The excellent cycling stability and high-rate capability of N-rGO as anodes of lithium-ion battery were attributed to the large number of surface defects caused by the nitrogen doping, which facilitates the fast transport of Li-ion and electron on the interface of electrolyte/electrode.
