Fabrication of poly(N-ethylaniline)/lignosulfonate composites and their carbon microspheres

► Lignosulfonate was used as a dispersant in the formation of PNA-LS composites. ► Lignosulfonate played an important role for the fabrication of the PNA-LS composite microspheres. ► Low-cost nitrogen-containing carbon microspheres were obtained by direct pyrolysis of the PNA-LS composites.