KOH-activated anthracene oil-derived porous carbon as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Hard carbon stands out as a prime candidate material for high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes because of its distinctive structure. Yet, reconciling high capacity with superior rate capability in materials derived from low-cost precursors remains a significant challenge. In this study, we successfully synthesized a porous carbon material characterized by “bulk disorder and surface reconstruction” using anthracene oil pyrolysis carbon (AOPC) as a precursor. This porous material served as an electrode for lithium-ion batteries and was evaluated against commercial graphite under identical conditions. And the structure-activity relationship between its high capacity, superior rate capability and material is clarified. The results indicate that porous carbon materials demonstrate superior electrochemical performance compared to commercial graphite. Specifically, at 50 mA g⁻¹, it achieved a discharge capacity of 619.81 mAh g⁻¹(Second cycle discharge capacity), surpassing graphite’s 335.98 mAh g⁻¹. At 1 A g⁻¹, it maintained a capacity of 192.12 mAh g⁻¹, superior to graphite’s 53.53 mAh g⁻¹, showing excellent rate capability. The high reversible capacity and superior rate capability stem from the synergistic interplay among its unique disordered microstructure, large interlayer spacing, and extensive pore network, all of which synergistically support the lithium storage mechanism of hard carbon materials. The study converted low-value anthracene oil pyrolysis residue into hard carbon anode material, offering a scalable approach for producing cost-effective and effective lithium-ion battery anodes.