Template-mediated strategy to regulate hierarchically nitrogen--sulfur co-doped porous carbon as superior anode material for lithium capacity

Abstract

Considering its rapid lithiation/delithiation process and robust capacitive energy storage, hierarchical porous carbon is regarded as a promising candidate for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, it remains a great challenge to construct a porous structure and prevent structure stacking for carbon-based materials. Herein, a template-mediated approach is developed to synthesize hierarchical nitrogen–sulfur co-doped porous carbon (NSPC) using low-cost asphalt precursors. The strategy for synthesis uses g-C₃N₄ and NaHCO₃ as gaseous templates and NaCl as a solid template, which causes the formation of hierarchical porous carbon with a high specific surface area. The resultant porous structure and nitrogen-doping process can prevent the aggregation of nanosheets, maintain the structural stability upon cycling, and achieve rate-capable lithium storage. Serving as a LIBs anode, reversible specific capacities of the NSPC24 electrode reach 788 and 280 mAh·g^–1 at 0.1 and 1 A·g^–1, respectively. Furthermore, its specific capacity remains at 830 mAh·g^–1 after 115 cycles at 0.1 A·g^–1. Even after 500 cycles, high specific capacities of 727 mAh·g^–1 at 0.5 A·g^–1 and 624 mAh·g^–1 at 1 A·g^–1 are achieved, demonstrating excellent cycling performance. The gas–solid bifunctional template-mediated approach can guide the design of porous materials very well, meanwhile realizing the high value-added utilization of asphalt.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

energy storage / hierarchically porous carbon / lithium-ion battery / specific surface area / nitrogen-doping process

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