In situ graphitized hard carbon xerogel: A promising high-performance anode material for Li-ion batteries. Issue 21 (16th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gaikwad, Mayur M.; Sharma, Chandra S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials research. Volume 35:Issue 21(2020)
• Page Start: 2989
• Page End: 3003
• Publication Date: 2020-11-16
• Subjects: catalytic graphitization, -- resorcinol–formaldehyde carbon xerogel, -- Ni- and Co-graphitizing catalyst, -- anode material, -- Li-ion battery; Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1557/jmr.2020.293
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0884-2914

Abstract

Abstract: Abstract : To address the challenges of capacity fading and poor electronic conductivity of hard carbons as anode in Li-ion batteries (LIBs), we report here the catalytic graphitization of resorcinol–formaldehyde xerogel (RFX)-derived hard carbon via a single-step synthesis by incorporating two transition metal catalysts (Co and Ni) with different loadings (5 and 10%) at a modest temperature of 1100 °C. Loading of both the catalysts affects the extent of graphitization and other physiochemical properties that have a direct influence on the anodic performance of as graphitized RFX-derived hard carbon. A 10% Ni catalyst in RFX-derived carbon induces the highest degree of graphitization of 81.4% along with partial amorphous carbon and nickel phases. This improved crystallinity was conducive enough to facilitate rapid electron and Li-ion transfer while the amorphous carbon phase contributed to higher specific capacity, resulting in overall best anodic performance as ever reported for RFX-derived carbon. A specific capacity of 578 mAh/g obtained after 210 cycles at 0.2 C with coulombic efficiency greater than 99% confirms the potential of graphitized RFX-derived carbon as an anode for high-performance LIBs.