Achieving high-rate capacity pitch-based carbon as anode materials for lithium-ion battery

Abstract

By a simple ball-milling and heat treatment method, pitch as carbon source and CaCO₃ or MgO as pore-former, the high-rate capability three-dimensional porous carbon materials are synthesized. The porous carbon has an abundant porous structure with a specific surface area of ~ 94.6527 m² g⁻¹and pore volume of ~ 0.4311 ml g⁻¹. The unique microstructure of porous carbon has more nanoscale pores, resembling an irregular “honeycomb” structure. The abundant presence of mesoporous and large pore volumes in porous carbon facilitates the diffusion of lithium ions and enhances the lithium storage capacity. The reversible charge–discharge capacity of porous carbon was 1102 mAh g⁻¹ after 120 cycles at 100 mA g⁻¹ and 800 mAh g⁻¹ after 550 cycles at 500 mA g⁻¹. The highly porous structure of the material effectively mitigates volume expansion during charge and discharge processes. This porous carbon material exhibits a high capacity, extended cycle life, and exceptional rate capability, rendering it a promising candidate for future anode materials in lithium-ion batteries.