Pitch‐Based Laminated Carbon Formed by Pressure Driving at Low Temperature as High‐Capacity Anodes for Lithium Energy Storage Systems
Tao Yang, Yan Song, Xiaodong Tian, Huaihe Song, Zhanjun Liu
Abstract
Abstract Pitch has been used to prepare electrodes by high‐temperature heat treatments for supercapacitors, lithium‐ion batteries, on account of its rich aromatic ring structure. Here, the toluene‐soluble component of pitch is used to prepare a kind of laminated carbon. This was realized by a template‐free synthesis at low temperature with the addition of pressure. The toluene‐soluble component has a small molecular weight, which makes the thermal deformation ability stronger and then enhances the orientation of the carbon layer with the help of pressure. The prepared anode exhibits a splendid electrochemical performance compared with the traditional graphite anode. A high stable capacity of approximately 550 mAh g −1 at 50 mA g −1 , which is much higher than graphite (372 mAh g −1 ), is obtained. Also, when the current density is up to 2 A g −1 , the capacity is about 150 mAh g −1 . Surprisingly, it also delivers a superior cycling performance. And when used as the anode/cathode electrode for lithium‐ion capacitors, a high energy density can be obtained. The present work offers an opportunity to utilize the pitch source in lithium energy storage with promising cycle life, high energy/power density, and low cost.