Bean-dreg-derived carbon materials used as superior anode material for lithium-ion batteries

•The structures of modified carbons from bean dregs were regulated via graphitization treatment and chemical activation.•The sample thermally treated at 2800 °C showed more ordered graphitic domains and superior reversibility, excellent cycling stability and rate capability.•The KOH-activated sample demonstrated enhanced electrochemical performance due to its high surface area and abundant mesoporous structure.

The structures of modified carbons from bean dregs were regulated via graphitization treatment and chemical activation. The microstructure and electrochemical performance were studied using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrometer, SEM and TEM techniques. The electrochemical performance was investigated using electrochemical methods. After heat-treatment at 2800 °C, the obtained BDC-2800 possessed a high degree of graphitization and showed an outstanding cycling performance, delivering capacity decay from 423 to 396 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C after 100 cycles. The chemical-treated carbons also demonstrated enhanced electrochemical performance, especially for the KOH-treated sample. The BDC-K displayed superior specific charge capacity of 801 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, and showed an impressive rate capability of 643 mAh g−1 at 1 C. In addition, this sample delivered capacity retention of 94% after 500 cycles at 1 C. This good electrochemical performance was mainly due to its high surface area and abundant mesoporous structure.

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