Synthesis Strategies and Applications for Pitch‐Based Anode: From Industrial By‐Products to Power Sources

Abstract

It is significant for saving energy to manufacture superb-property batteries. Carbon is one of the most competitive anode materials in batteries, but it is hard for commercial graphite anodes to meet the increasingly higher energy-storage requirements. Moreover, the price of other better-performing carbon materials (such as graphene) is much higher than graphite, which is not conducive to massive production. Pitch, the cheap by-product in the petroleum and coal industries, has high carbon content and yield, making it possible for commercialization. Developing pitch-based anodes can not only lower raw material costs but also realize the pitch's high value-added utilization. We comprehensively reviewed the latest synthesis strategies of pitch-derived materials and then introduced their application and research progress in lithium, sodium, and potassium ion batteries (LIBs, SIBs, and PIBs). Finally, we summarize and suggest the pitch's development trend for anodes and in other fields.

Imaging the Surface/Interface Morphologies Evolution of Silicon Anodes Using in Situ/Operando Electron Microscopy

“…The unstable SEI keeps consuming and capturing lithium ions and electrolyte during electrochemical cycling as a result of the constant volume expansion. − A variety of rear coatings, different binders, conductive additives, and modifications to the conventional carbonate-based electrolyte were all used to try and lessen the impacts of SEI. − For instance, scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy provide a thorough understanding of FEC influence on SEI progression during electrochemical cycling in relation to composition and form . For example, in situ HRTEM experiments on a single Si/C nanowire also demonstrate the lithiation processes (Figure i,j).…”

Tailoring natural anthracite carbon materials towards considerable electrochemical properties with exploration of ester/ether-based electrolyte

“…27,28 But, considering previous reports about ion-storage behavior, Na-ion storage behavior should be further explored in different storage regions with the utilization of diverse electrolytes. [29][30][31] In this work, natural anthracite was utilized as a precursor to prepare a series of carbon materials (O, S-doped carbon) through control over carbonization temperature, displaying thin graphitized microcrystals and larger interlayer distances. Aer the optimized process, the resulting samples displayed considerable energy-storage abilities.…”

“…27,28 But, considering previous reports about ion-storage behavior, Na-ion storage behavior should be further explored in different storage regions with the utilization of diverse electrolytes. 29–31…”

Approaching high-performance lithium storage materials of CoNiO2 microspheres wrapped coal tar pitch-derived porous carbon

“…Coal tar pitch, as the residue produced after coal tar distillation, is low-cost, rich in reserves and high in carbon yield. 30,31 Hence, using it as the carbon precursor to produce high value-added nano-porous carbon may be valuable and meaningful. In this work, coal tar pitch-derived porous carbon (abbreviated as CTP) was prepared as the coating material of CoNiO 2 microspheres.…”