Lignin‐Derived Hard Carbon Microspheres Synthesized via Emulsion‐Solvent Evaporation as Anode for Sodium Storage

Abstract

Lignin‐derived hard carbon microspheres with different amphiphilic carbonaceous material (ACM) contents are synthesized through a facile emulsion‐solvent evaporation process and subsequent thermal treatment. The influence of lignin/ACM mass ratio on morphology, microstructure, thermal stability, and electrochemical properties of carbon microspheres is studied in detail. Combined with Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and thermogravimetric analysis, the interaction between lignin and ACM leads to enhanced thermal stability with a carbonization yield of 50.6%. Meanwhile, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate enlarged graphite‐like crystallite dimensions, Laand Lc,which contribute to electric conductivity. Due to ACM addition, the electrochemical performance is improved. When the mass ratio of lignin/ACM is 3:1, the sample exhibits a well‐balanced performance. The reversible capacity is 296.5 mAh g−1 with a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 82.0%. In the cycling test, the sample retains a capacity of 276.8 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, corresponding to a capacity retention ratio of 90.8%.

Review and Perspectives of Sustainable Lignin, Cellulose, and Lignocellulosic Carbon Special Structures for Energy Storage

“…The prepared electrodes were studied as anodes for sodium-ion batteries with a reversible highest capacity at 296.5 mAh g −1 exhibiting 90.8% capacitance retention at 100 cycles. 169…”

Lignin‐derived carbon materials for catalysis and electrochemical energy storage

“…The reversible specific capacity was 138.1 mAh g −1 for 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g −1 . Zhang et al [ 111 ] used purified lignin from maize stover as a raw material to prepare lignin‐derived hard carbon microspheres with different levels of amphiphilic carbonaceous material (ACM) as an anode material for SIBs. The effects of the lignin/ACM mass ratio on the morphology, microstructure, thermal stability, and electrochemical properties of the carbon microspheres were investigated in detail.…”

“…Reproduced with permission: Copyright 2021, John Wiley and Sons. [112] | 293 T A B L E 4 Comparison of the sodium storage properties of different lignin-derived carbon materials Materials Reversible capacity Rate capability References C-1300 297 mAh g −1 (50 cycles, 50 mA g −1 ) 116 mAh g −1 (2.5 A g −1 ) [ 108] NLC 374 mAh g −1 (500 cycles, 25 mA g −1 ) 223 mAh g −1 (0.1 A g −1 ) [ 109]PL-1300 270 mAh g −1 (100 cycles, 50 mA g −1 ) 102 mAh g −1 (0.5 A g −1 )[ 111] 0.20NPL-1300 248 mAh g −1 (200 cycles, 100 mA g −1 ) 111 mAh g −1 (1 A g −1 )[ 112] HCM55-1400 316 mAh g −1 (150 cycles, 30 mA g −1 ) 161 mAh g −1 (0.3 A g −1 )[ 114] CLRSs 210 mAh g −1 (300 cycles, 125 mA g −1 ) 60 mAh g −1 (2.5 A g −1 )[ 115] CNF 122 mAh g −1 (350 cycles, 50 mA g −1 ) 25 mAh g −1 (1 A g −1 )[ 116] PL-CNFs 247 mAh g −1 (200 cycles, 100 mA g −1 ) 80 mAh g −1 (1 A g −1 )[ 117] E-KL/CA-C 340 mAh g −1 (200 cycles, 50 mA g −1 ) 103 mAh g −1 (0.4 A g −1 )[ 118] LC 202 mAh g −1 (100 cycles, 15 mA g −1 ) 45 mAh g −1 (0.15 A g −1 )[ 119]…”

Facile Synthesis of N,P‐codoped Hard Carbon Nanoporous Microspheres from Lignin for High‐Performance Anodes of Sodium‐Ion Batteries

“…For example, resin nanospheres prepared through double solvent evaporation and resinification was indentified to be able to deliver a reversible capacity at 347 mAh g −1 and a high ICE at 74 % [20b] . However, although adjusting types or amounts of the additives (e. g., pitch‐derived amphiphilic carbonaceous material, [20a] formaldehyde at acidic conditions as cross‐linking agent, [20b] and the mixture of formaldehyde and hexamethylenetetramine [20c] ) and the calcination conditions (e. g., temperature and atmosphere) could improve the electrochemical performances of the final products to some extent, the utilization of these organics would also bring about extra post‐processing steps in the preparation process, thus reducing its economy and maneuverability. Besides, more efforts are needed to improve the overall properties of this kind of materials, such as in carbon yield, plateau capacity, ICE, and cycling as well as rate performances.…”