Integrated and Sustainable Solutions for Li-ion Energy Storage Systems

A Strategy to Optimize the Performance of Bio-Derived Carbon Aerogels by a Structuring Additive

“…The modified carbon aerogels, based on potato starch (Sigma Aldrich, Saint Louis, MO, USA), were obtained via a gelatinization process described in detail in our previous work [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. A gum arabic (Avantor Performance Materials Poland S.A., Gliwice, Poland, 99%), as a structuring additive, was introduced during starch hydrogel preparation, in quantities of 1% w / w , 5% w / w , 10% w / w and 20% w / w .…”

“…Nonetheless, these applied in Li-ion cells as negative electrode can also often require a high pressure synthesis condition [ 7 ]; complex, multi-step treatment [ 11 ]; or very high temperatures during thermal treatment [ 11 , 13 ]. Therefore, among them, the interesting direction in Li-ion batteries studies is the application of starch-based carbon aerogels (CAGs), and what is associated with their unique features that make them competitive for energy storage systems in terms of their properties, economy and ecology [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. They are obtained through eco-friendly, water-based synthesis.…”

Electrochemical Properties and Structure Evolution of Starch-Based Carbon Nanomaterials as Li-Ion Anodes with Regard to Thermal Treatment

“…This is due to their favorable characteristics, such as desirable electrochemical potential, relatively high specific capacity, and excellent stability during cycle performance, as well as cost competitiveness and benign impact on the environment [9,10,11]. Nevertheless, to deal with the current energy challenge, research efforts should be devoted to utilizing various carbon materials based on sustainable resources that reveal an ability to obtain high-performance electrode materials [10,12,13,14,15]. In fact, naturally abundant precursors are not only affordable and inexhaustible but often possess hierarchical structure and specific porous organization and are thereby of high interest to derive advanced carbons that exhibit unique properties [14,16,17].…”

“…Currently, a large amount of investigations focus on the heat treatment of biomasses or industrial waste [10,13,14,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23]. Our latest studies [12,24,25,26,27] deal with the development of the hierarchically arranged, nanostructured carbon aerogels (CAGs), derived from starch, the major carbohydrate reserve in plants, which is also one of the most abundant natural polymers on earth. This renewable and biodegradable polysaccharide generally consists of linear amylose and highly branched amylopectin [28].…”

“…This renewable and biodegradable polysaccharide generally consists of linear amylose and highly branched amylopectin [28]. The content and ratio of these two aforementioned units in starch vary depending on the botanical source and affect the properties of the end product, providing tailor-made materials [12,24,29]. Still, not only raw materials influence the characteristics of the final compounds, but also various preparation conditions, for example, different carbonization temperatures.…”