Porous carbons derived from microalgae with enhanced electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries

• Porous carbons derived from microalgae are prepared through a simple, efficient and economical pyrolysis process.
• The orderly graphitic microcrystalline provide the excellent electronic conductivity and substantial reversible capacity.
• The good electrochemical performance is attributed to hierarchical porous structure and microcrystalline graphitic carbon.
• Porous carbons deliver high capacity of 445 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C, excellent capacity retention 95% after 500 cycles under 1 C.

Porous carbons derived from microalgae were prepared using a pyrolysis method. The microstructure and electrochemical performance were studied using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrometer, scanning and electron microscopy techniques. The electrochemical performance was investigated using electrochemical methods. A carbon sample pyrolyzed at 900 °C exhibited a hierarchical pore structure with a large amount of microcrystalline graphitic domains. As a result, this sample delivered the best electrochemical performance with specific charge capacities of 445 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 370 mA h g−1 at 1 C, respectively. In addition, this sample showed a capacity retention of 95% after 500 cycles at 1 C. The good electrochemical performance of the pyrolytic carbon is attributed to the combined contributions of the hierarchical porous structure and microcrystalline graphitic carbon domains.

Carbon materials derive from microalgae possess well-formed mesoporors structure, and appear orderly graphitic microcrystalline. Therefore, the product exhibits low irreversible capacity and capacity loss, delivers a high capacity of 355 mA h g−1 under 1C rate even after 500 cycles, and maintains high retention above 95%.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide