Preparation of boron-doped anthracite coal-based graphite for high performance lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

In order to enhance the energy density and cycling stability of anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), boron-doped anthracite–based graphite anode materials have been developed in this study. Anthracite is an ideal choice for anode materials for LIBs due to its abundant resources and low price. Herein, the synthesis process of anthracite-based graphite materials has been optimized to achieve the modulation of the lattice structure and surface active sites of the materials through boron doping treatment. The effects of boron doping on the lattice structure, apparent morphology, specific capacity, and cycle life of the materials have been investigated by structural and electrochemical characterization. Varying the amount of boron doping can significantly affect the electrochemical properties of boron-doped anthracite-based graphite materials. The first discharge and charge capacities at 500 mA g⁻¹ for the DCG-6B samples are 370 and 315 mAh g⁻¹, respectively, with an initial coulombic efficiency of 85% and a capacity retention of 100% after 500 cycles. Boron doping can resist the volume change during charging/discharging, thus prolonging the cycle life at high current density.