Processing–Structure–Property Relationships for Lignin‐Based Carbonaceous Materials Used in Energy‐Storage Applications. Issue 8 (22nd March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: García‐Negrón, Valerie; Phillip, Nathan D.; Li, Jianlin; Daniel, Claus; Wood, David; Keffer, David J.; Rios, Orlando; Harper, David P.
• Is Part Of: Energy technology. Volume 5:Issue 8(2017:Aug.)
• Page Start: 1311
• Page End: 1321
• Publication Date: 2017-03-22
• Subjects: anodes -- carbon -- electrochemistry -- lignin -- lithium; Energy development -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1002/ente.201600646
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2194-4288

Abstract

Abstract: Lignin, an abundant organic polymer and a byproduct of pulp and biofuel production, has potential applications owing to its high carbon content and aromatic structure. Processing–structure relationships are difficult to predict because of the heterogeneity of lignin. This work discusses the roles of unit operations in the carbonization process of softwood lignin, and their resulting impacts on the material structure and electrochemical properties in application as the anode in lithium‐ion cells. The processing variables include the lignin source, temperature, and duration of thermal stabilization, pyrolysis, and reduction. Materials are characterized at the atomic and microscales. High‐temperature carbonization, at 2000 °C, produces larger graphitic domains than at 1050 °C, but results in a reduced capacity. Coulombic efficiencies over 98 % are achieved for extended galvanostatic cycling. Consequently, a properly designed carbonization process for lignin is well suited for the generation of low‐cost, high‐efficiency electrodes. Abstract : Lignin for electrodes : The roles of unit operations, stabilization, pyrolysis, reduction, and milling on the performance of carbonized kraft softwood lignin anodes in lithium–carbon coin cells are examined. Batteries with small graphitic domains exhibit capacities in the range 300–400 mAh g −1 with Coulombic efficiencies of over 98 % for most cycles. However, batteries with larger graphitic domain sizes exhibit improved current stability.