Microporous carbon derived from polyaniline base as anode material for lithium ion secondary battery

Microporous carbon with large surface area was prepared from polyaniline base using K2CO3 as an activating agent. The physicochemical properties of the carbon were characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, elemental analyses and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement. The electrochemical properties of the microporous carbon as anode material in lithium ion secondary battery were evaluated. The first discharge capacity of the microporous carbon was 1108 mAh g−1, whose first charge capacity was 624 mAh g−1, with a coulombic efficiency of 56.3%. After 20 cycling tests, the microporous carbon retains a reversible capacity of 603 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1. These results clearly demonstrated the potential role of microporous carbon as anode for high capacity lithium ion secondary battery.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Nitrogen-containing microporous carbon was prepared from polyaniline base by K2CO3 activation, and used as anode material for lithium ion secondary battery. ► K2CO3 activation promotes the formation of amorphous and microporous structure. ► High nitrogen content, and large surface area with micropores lead to strong intercalation between carbon and lithium ion, and thus improve the lithium storage capacity.