Plasma-induced formation of wavy graphite structures for enhanced lithium storage

Abstract

This study introduces a plasma-driven strategy to improve the energy-intensive and inefficient characteristics of conventional graphite anode manufacturing for lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing ultrahigh-temperature plasma generated at carbon-fiber electrode tips, needle coke is rapidly graphitized within seconds. The instantaneous heat triggers carbon atom rearrangement and impurity volatilization, yielding a wavy graphite structure with expanded interlayer spacing (ranging from 0.358 to 0.368 nm) and ordered sp2 carbon domains (31.5 nm grain size). This architecture enhances lithium-ion diffusion kinetics while increasing active sites. Electrochemical tests demonstrate exceptional performance: 359.7 mAh/g reversible capacity after 100 cycles and 149.57 mAh/g at 1.6 A/g (7.7% improvement over natural graphite). The wavy structure's lattice distortions act as stress buffers, mitigating volume expansion and improving cycle stability. This research presents an approach for the short-term, low-energy-consumption preparation of high-performance graphite anodes, potentially facilitating the low-cost industrial manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries.