sp3-like defect structure of hetero graphene-carbon nanotubes for promoting carrier transfer and stability

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) hybrid of nanocarbons is a very promising way to the high-performance design of electrocatalysis materials. However, sp3-like defect structure, a combination of high strength and conduction of graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is rarely reported. Herein, 3D neural-like hybrids of graphene (from reduced graphene oxide) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been integrated via sp3-like defect structure by a hydrothermal approach. The sp3-like defect structure endows 3D nanocarbon hybrids with an enhanced carrier transfer, high structural stability, and electrocatalytic durability. The neural-like structure is shown to demonstrate a cascade effect of charges and significant performances regarding bio-electrocatalysis and lithium-sulfur energy storage. The concept and mechanism of “sp3-like defect structure” are proposed at an atomic/nanoscale to clarify the generation of rational structure as well as the cascade electron transfer.