Low-Cost Transformation of Biomass-Derived Carbon to High-Performing Nano-graphite via Low-Temperature Electrochemical Graphitization

Abstract

Graphite, an essential component of energy storage devices, is traditionally synthesized via an energy-intensive thermal process (Acheson process) at ∼3300 K. However, the battery performance of such graphite is abysmal under fast-charging conditions, which is deemed essential for the propulsion of electric vehicles to the next level. Herein, a low-temperature electrochemical transformation approach has been demonstrated to afford a highly crystalline nano-graphite with the capability of tuning interlayer spacing to enhance the lithium diffusion kinetics in molten salts at 850 °C. The essence of our strategy lies in the effective electrocatalytic transformation of carbon to graphite at a lower temperature that could significantly increase the energy savings, reduce the cost, shorten the synthesis time, and replace the traditional graphite synthesis. The resulting graphite exhibits high purity, crystallinity, a high degree of graphitization, and a nanoflake architecture that all ensure fast lithium diffusion kinetics (∼2.0 × 10–8 cm2 s–1) through its nanosheet. Such unique features enable outstanding electrochemical performance (∼200 mA h g–1 at 5C for 1000 cycles, 1C = 372 mA g–1) as a fast-charging anode for lithium-ion batteries. This finding paves the way to make high energy-density fast-charging batteries that could boost electromobility.

In situ construction of flower-like CoP-in-carbon anode materials for high-rate and long-term lithium ion batteries

“…2C, two characteristic peaks of the D band at 1344.8 cm −1 and G band at 1598.4 cm −1 can be assigned to the defect-induced mode and the crystalline graphite vibration mode, respectively. 17 The peak area ratio A G /( A D + A G ) is generally employed to evaluate the structural order for carbon materials. The A G /( A D + A G ) ratio of the CoP/C nanoflowers is around 0.39, indicating the formation of a high-conductivity ordered graphite phase in the CoP/C nanoflowers.…”

Prospective Life Cycle Assessment of Synthetic Graphite Manufactured via Electrochemical Graphitization

“…Recently, a new electrochemical method was discovered which has demonstrated the ability to transform amorphous carbon into highly crystalline graphite at relatively low temperatures (∼800 °C). , This method uses cathodic polarization in a molten salt mixture for approximately 3 h to produce battery-grade high purity graphite. Similar to catalytic graphitization, this technique has been shown to work with a variety of different raw materials, even the so-called “nongraphitizable” or hard carbons such as biomass-derived activated carbon or coal chars. , …”

Biogenic Synthesis of Self-Incorporated Indium Graphitic Composites from Electronic Waste Using Eleocharis acicularis

“…24 Last, biographitic microcrystallites constructed from biological precursors have been used in high-performing anodes in sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries. 25 In this study, we examined the possibility of using indium-incorporated biomass from E. acicularis to generate high-value metal graphitic nanocomposites.…”

“…Additionally, cellulose nanofibers from bamboo have been shown to exhibit electromagnetic shielding with a shielding performance index of 23 dB. , In particular, metal carbon composites have been used in energy storage because of their high electrochemical capacity (gravimetric capacitance up to 300 F/g) and conductance . Last, biographitic microcrystallites constructed from biological precursors have been used in high-performing anodes in sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries . In this study, we examined the possibility of using indium-incorporated biomass from E. acicularis to generate high-value metal graphitic nanocomposites.…”