Jute-Fiber Precursor-Derived Low-Cost Sustainable Hard Carbon with Varying Micro/Mesoporosity and Distinct Storage Mechanisms for Sodium-Ion and Potassium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Hard carbon (HC) remains the most viable choice as a negative electrode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) owing to its higher energy density (discharge up to zero volts), higher capacity (distinct storage mechanisms), and cycling stability. Herein, a biomass jute fiber precursor HC anode (JPC) with varying porosity is reported for the first time as a low-cost and sustainable high-performance HC anode for SIBs and PIBs. Direct carbonization results in micromeso porous HC (JPC-D), and micro-wave pretreated jute fiber results in ultramicroporous HC (JPC-M). The mesoporosity generated in JPC-D during synthesis outperforms the ultramicroporous JPC-M with a high reversible capacity of 328 mAh g −1 (iCE = 66%) at a current density of 30 mA g −1 (0.1C) with superior capacity retention of 84% after 100 cycles in SIBs. The Na + ion and K + ion storage in HCs, especially at lower voltages, shows distinct storage mechanisms that depend on the morphology and porosity of the material. JPC-D contributed 39% of its total capacity through the plateau region capacity (PRC), suggesting more pore filling from hierarchical porosity in SIBs. JPC-D and JPC-M exhibit more insertion-based capacity than pore-filling processes in PIBs. The presence of inorganic impurities (Ca, Si, Al, and Fe) encapsulated in the carbon structure plays a critical role in developing mesopores. The yield (%) of HC from direct carbonization per kilogram of jute is ∼34%, which makes it cheaper than HC from sugar-based precursors and 1.5 times more affordable than other biomass-derived HC. The jute-based micro-mesoporous HC is a novel, cost-effective, sustainable approach to designing HC for a PRC-based battery-type anode in SIBs and PIBs.

Hybrid Nano Flake-like Vanadium Diselenide Combined on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube as a Binder-Free Electrode for Sodium-Ion Batteries

“…These results indicate that a capacitive behavior-controlled process is better than a diffusion-controlled process. As previously reported, high capacitive contribution enables better cycle performance and plays a pivotal role in good stability and a long lifespan [ 61 , 62 , 63 ]. Therefore, the two-dimensional flake-like VSe 2 and the high electrical conductivity of MWCNT can improve the diffusion kinetics of sodium ions.…”

Role of Cyclopentyl methyl ether co-solvent in Improving SEI layer stability in Hard Carbon Anode for Sodium-ion Batteries

“…The EIS profiles at 0.1C display the one semicircle occurring at high/medium frequencies, representing the resistance due to SEI film (RSEI) and charge transfer (RCT) with Warburg impedance (W) originating from Na + semi-infinite diffusion. 53 As shown in Figure 3f, the electrolyte solution resistance (RS) is 21 Ω for CPME-PC, but ~ 34 Ω for EC-PC, indicating rapid migration of Na + in ether-ester combination. Besides, for the EC-PC electrolyte system, the resistance (RSEI + RCT) is almost 40% higher than the CPME-PC electrolyte, suggesting a slower transfer kinetics from the higher desolvation energy of EC.…”

Utilization of single biomass-derived micro-mesoporous carbon for dual-carbon symmetric and hybrid sodium-ion capacitors

“…The initial synthesis of hydro char via microwave-assisted hydrothermal pretreatment was reported earlier. 25 The hydro char was mixed with KOH in a ratio of 1 : 1 and activated at 800 °C (rate: 4 °C min −1 ) in an argon atmosphere for one hour for activation. The prepared carbon materials were then washed with 1 M HCl and DI water to remove all the metal impurities and the sample was dried at 80 °C to obtain the final product, AJPC-M (Activated Jute Porous Carbon via Microwave-assisted method).…”