Herein, we report synthesis of a series of 2D and 3D nanographenes with various functional groups attached to the edge of the nanographene basil planes. Among other potential applications, these high-surface area nanographenes have an excellent cyclic durability and a much enhanced charge capacity (> 1000 mAh/g) as novel anode materials for LIBs. Moreover, theoretical charge capacity of these nanographenes exceeds 2000 mAh/g due to an increased edge to surface ratio and oxygen containing functional groups. These exceptional performance characteristics are primarily due to the robust structure along and optimal d-spacing between nanographene layers which allowing for facilitated Li adsorpiton/desorption and diffusion.

Our study reveals insights on how control synthesis of nanographenes and their self-assemblies with optimized electronic structure and facilitated electron transfer has led to superior energy storage properties, there time the capacity of graphite, suggesting that the optimal design of conjugated nanographenes are promising for next generation LIBs.