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Silicon is a promising anode material that can increase the theoretical capacity of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the volume expansion of silicon remains a challenge. In this study, we employed a novel combination of conductive additives to effectively suppress the volume expansion of Si during charging/discharging cycles. Rather than carbon black (CB), which is commonly used in SiO anodes, we introduced single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as a conductive additive. Owing to their high aspect ratio, CNTs enable effective connection of SiO particles, leading to stable electrochemical operation to prevent volume expansion. In addition, we explored a combination of CB and SWCNTs, with results showing a synergetic effect compared to a single-component of SWCNTs, as small-sized CB particles can enhance the interface contact between the conductive additive and SiO particles, whereas SWCNTs have limited contact points. With this hybrid conductive additive, we achieved a stable operation of full-cell LIBs for more than 200 cycles, with a retention rate of 91.1%, whereas conventional CB showed a 74.0% specific capacity retention rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrolyte filling process of battery cells is one of the time-critical bottlenecks in cell production. Wetting is of particular importance here, since only completely wetted electrode sections are working. In order to accelerate and facilitate this process, the authors of this study developed a method to significantly increase the wettability of graphite-based anodes by a laser surface modification using low energy nanosecond laser pulses. The anode surface microstructure was evaluated by means of white-light interferometry and scanning electron microscopy. The assessment of wettability was done by drop test and capillary rise test of the liquid electrolyte. The results show that there is a predominantly selective ablation process for laser energy inputs below 2 J/m by which the graphite active material remains unaffected and the binder material is decomposed. The observed increase in surface roughness correlates with the increasing wettability. Investigations using Raman spectroscopy showed that laser treatment leads to a damage on the crystalline structure of the graphite particle surface. However, treating an entire anode including 6 wt% binder and conductive carbon black has shown that the overall amorphous content of the anodes surface can be reduced by 32% through treating the surface with a laser energy of 1.29 J/m. Up to that point, which is the resulting parameter range for the selective process, it is possible to ablate the amorphous binder and carbon black phase coevally exposing graphite particles while keeping their crystalline structure. Exceeding that range, ablation of the whole anode composite dominates and amorphization of the graphite surface occurs. The electrode's capacity was tested on half-cells in coin cell format. For the whole laser parameter range investigated, the anodes capacity matches the mass loss caused by laser ablation. No additional capacity loss was observed due to amorphization of the exterior graphite particle's surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, within the defined orthogonal array of Taguchi design, the hydrothermal process parameters have been optimized for fabricating the smallest particle sized iron oxide (Fe2O3) particles. The finest particle size (210 nm) has been achieved when 0.02 M FeCl3 solution at pH 10 is hydrothermally treated for 90 min with an autoclave filling ratio of 100% (D3). Afterwards, to improve the physical properties of iron oxide particles, carbon black powder is added into the precursor solution as the seeding agent before the hydrothermal treatment. Structural and morphological analyses show that upon the existence of carbon in the precursor solution, C-supported Fe2O3 (D5) is fabricated. In the latter, carbon is present in graphitic form and no carbide formation is detected. Electrochemical test results verify that unlike to Fe2O3 (D3), C-supported Fe2O3 (D5) electrode performs lower charge transfer resistance and polarization leading to higher first coulombic efficiency, capacity retention, and improved rate performance, eventually. Thanks to the favorable characteristics of the latter, after 150 cycles, D5 performs 550, 390, and 333 mAh g−1 discharge capacities under loads of 50 mA g−1, 500 mA g−1, and 1.5 A g−1, respectively. Finally, to understand the contribution of capacitive and diffusion-controlled reactions to the total stored charge, an adopted sweep rate method has been used. The calculated voltammograms reveal that fabricating C-supported Fe2O3 particles led to improved rate performance because faradaic reactions that occur at the surface of the material prevail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Carbon nanofiber film (CNF) as anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) draws attention for its excellent cyclic stability, but its practical application is limited due to low specific capacity. Considering the advantages of pure CNF and MoS2, a flexible film which CNF covered by MoS2 (MoS2/CNF) is successfully produced and evaluated as a binder‐free electrode for LIBs without mixing with carbon black and polymer binder. MoS2 nanoflakes (8.91 wt% of the composite sample) covering on CNF (MoS2/CNF‐B sample) plays the key role in activating the electrochemical properties of CNF, but dense MoS2 nanoflakes (39.4 wt%) on CNF (MoS2/CNF‐A) seriously limit the electrochemical properties of CNF. At 0.1 and 1.0 A g−1, MoS2/CNF‐B sample delivers 967.1 and 605.7 mA h g−1, the capacities are almost twice as much as those of pure CNF. The initial columbic efficiency of MoS2/CNF‐B sample of 76.4% is much higher than that of pure CNF sample of 62.1%. Moreover, MoS2/CNF‐B sample presents no capacity decay till 100 cycles, and the cycled electrode at the 100th cycle still maintains a stable composite structure of MoS2 nanoflakes covering on CNF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black phosphorus (BP) has received wide attention due to its high theoretical capacity (2596 mAh g−1) and good electron mobility, but its cyclic stability is poor. Meanwhile, it can be complementary to carbon material, which has low theoretical capacity but good cycle stability. In this work, we use solvothermal reaction to modify hard carbon materials with black phosphorous (BP). When used as anode material for lithium‐ion batteries, the composite will show a higher specific capacity, cyclic stability and rate performance. It shows a high reversible capacity of 350 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 1000 mA g−1 current density. But for pure carbon, it only shows a general reversible capacity of 180 mAh g−1. Here, the lower content of black phosphorous and the use of hard carbon materials make the material more economically advantageous. And it can be used as an ideal material for cycling at high currents in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive carbon additives play very important roles on the performance of Li-ion batteries (LIBs) although they only occupy a very small mass percentage in both cathode and anode. Building up a multidimensional carbonaceous conductive network on cathode with the optimized mass ratio of carbon black, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene has been verified to be able to enhance the Li-ion storage performance. Herein, we further demonstrate that applying ternary conductive additives is also very effective in improving the rate and cycle performances of graphite anode although the active material already possess high electronic conductivity. A conductive additive assembly of 2 wt% Super P, 1 wt% CNTs and 1 wt% graphene can weave up an efficient conducting pathway on the mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) anode and enhance the cycle stability (344 mAh g−1 at 1 C after 200 cycles) and rate performance (226 mAh g−1 at 3 C). The coin-type full cell assembled with the optimized MCMB anode and NCM811 cathode also displays much improved rate capability and cycle stability. As is revealed, the multidimensional conducting network might has led to a more uniform and ion conductive SEI film on MCMB anode, which lowers the polarization and energy barrier for Li+ transportation. [Display omitted] • A multidimensional conducting network is constructed on MCMB anode by modifying the dispersion solvent. • A specific capacity of 344 mAh g−1 is preserved after 200 cycles at 1 C. • The multidimensional conducting network promotes the Li+ transfer in MCMB anode. • Using ternary conductive additives in graphite anode is a practical way to improve the performance of LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel MoS/acetylene black (AB) composite was developed using a single-step hydrothermal method. A systematic characterization revealed a few-layered, ultrathin MoS grown on the surface of AB. The inclusion of AB was found to increase the capacity of the composite and achieve discharging capacity of 1813 mAhg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We systematically investigate the role of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and show how it affects the slurry dispersion according to the slurry preparation process. We find that CMC plays various roles as a dispersant, thickener, and gelling agent in the anode slurry depending on its content. CMC acts as a dispersant at lower content than the optimum graft density at which the two particles (carbon black, graphite) are adsorbed and saturated. When the CMC content increases above the optimum graft density, the adsorbed CMC still acts as a dispersant, but the extra free CMC acts as a thickener or a gelling agent depending on the content. In the meanwhile, CMC shows similar adsorption and dispersion mechanism for the two particles. Therefore, at a CMC content lower than the optimum graft density, the adsorption selectivity of CMC for both particles is significantly affected by the mixing sequence of CMC and two particles, resulting in a significant difference in slurry dispersion. On the other hand, at higher CMC content, the slurry dispersion is rarely affected by the CMC mixing sequence as both particles are eventually adsorbed and saturated in the final mixing stage. This study reports for the first time that the adsorption selectivity of the binder for the two particles can be controlled through the slurry preparation process, and that the slurry dispersion can be differently affected by the preparation process depending on the binder content. [Display omitted] • Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder plays a variety of roles depending on the content. • Adsorbed CMC and free CMC differently affects the inter-particle interactions. • Mixing sequence of CMC significantly affects the slurry dispersibility at CMC content lower than the optimum graft density. • This is attributed to the adsorption selectivity of CMC on the particles. • Role of binder should be considered in designing and understanding the slurry preparation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of non-stoichiometric MnCo 2 O 4+δ to stoichiometric MnCo 2 O 4 structural transformation in the calcination temperature range of 350–650 °C and its morphology evolution from nanoplates with {112} facets to quasi nanoplates with {110} facets in the preferential orientation of [220] direction is investigated in detail and confirmed using XPS, HRTEM, TGA, and XRD analysis. By having a profound understanding of this mechanism, MnCo 2 O 4 with a well-controlled structure and morphology was synthesized via co-precipitation as the anode for Li-ion batteries to overcome the capacity fading issue. Moreover, the anode microstructure was optimized based on the correlation between Li+ storage, electrode durability, and interfacial resistance through the electrochemical response of electrode components, including MnCo 2 O 4 , carbon black, and binder. The optimum electrode exhibited a high initial discharge capacity of 2063 mAh g−1 at 400 mA g−1, excellent rate capability (807 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1), and outstanding cycling performance (709 mAh g−1 at 400 mA g−1 after 150 cycles). These are attributed to the balance between the high surface area and robust architecture of MnCo 2 O 4 , and the stability, conductivity, and porosity of the electrode. [Display omitted] • Phase studies show that increasing the temperature to 650 °C resulted in the evacuation of excess oxygen in MnCo 2 O 4+δ. • By increasing the temperature, {112} facets alter to {110} facets in the preferential orientation of [220] direction. • The optimized electrode exhibited a stable reversible capacity of 709.5 mAh g−1 over 150 cycles at 400 mA g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Gr coating reduces the dependence of ICE of SiO x on CB content. • Gr sheets slide on the interfaces between active particles and suppress the AG damage. • SiO x @Gr/AG anodes show self-adaptive behaviors during charge–discharge process. • Self-adaptive design improves capacity retention with high volumetric capacities. Si-based materials are promising high-capacity anodes, which can improve the energy density of Li-ion batteries (LIBs) that are required for the advancement of electric vehicles. Nevertheless, the severe volume change of Si-based materials during repeated cycles limits their widespread applications in LIBs. Here, we report a durable and high-energy blended anode composed of artificial graphite (AG) and graphene (Gr)-coated SiO x (SiO x @Gr) particles. The Gr coating reduces the electrode swelling during repeated cycles and increases the initial Coulombic efficiency of SiO x. This further increases the areal capacity owing to the reduction of carbon black (CB) content to 3 wt%. The SiO x @Gr/AG blended anode exhibits excellent properties compared to the bare SiO x /AG anode. These results can be attributed to the self-adaptive behavior by Gr sheets coated on SiO x particles, which mitigates the mechanical damage on the AG particles and maintains the electron conduction pathways. Hence, the reversibility of the charge–discharge reactions improves, as revealed by Raman spectral mapping and powder flowability measurements. Furthermore, the full-cell with the SiO x @Gr/AG anode exhibits good cycling stability and high volumetric capacities over 300 cycles compared to the full-cell with the bare SiO x /AG anode and AG-only anode, demonstrating the applicability of the high-capacity Si-based anodes for LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously reported that lithium transition metal oxide, Li 1.14 (Ni 0.34 Co 0.33 Mn 0.33)O 2 (NCM), which are used as the cathode active material of lithium-ion batteries, was reacted with amine and graphene oxide (GO) to form composite particles. The reaction mechanism of the NCM and amine in the formation process, can be thought of as the ionic bonding reaction or the complex formation reaction between the transition metals and amine. This time, the composite reaction was carried out to elucidate this mechanism and to obtain hybrid composite particles with carbon black (CB), the anode active material of lithium-ion batteries. Hydrophilic substituents were introduced to CB surface by plasma treatment to create reaction points with organic materials. The hydrophilic CB became anionic in water and reacted with amine to form composite particles. Subsequent reaction with GO resulted in another composite particles. The hydrophilicity of the plasma-treated CBs was evaluated, and the composite state of the CBs, amines and GO was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectral analysis was used to analyze the state change and film distribution of the particles. The fact that the hybrid composite particles were obtained by this method supports the mechanism that the NCM and amine were ionized and bound by electrostatic interaction. At the same time, it was found that even CBs had the means to enhance the reactivity, and organic and carbon materials could be easily combined. [Display omitted] • Ion-complex synthesis method enabled us to synthesize composite particles for lithium-ion batteries with multiple functions. • Plasma treatment improves the reactivity of the inert carbon black surface, making it easier to composite. • Raman can be used to analyze the bonding and dispersion state of carbon materials that could not be observed by IR or SEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Nanoporous Si particles are prepared from Mg 2 Si reduction of SiO 2 fumes. • Nanoporous Si is composited with Li 3 PS 4 to prepare anodes for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries. • Electrical conductivity and charge capacity of Si composite anodes increase with conductive additive content. • There is an optimal amount of conductive additive to improve the discharge capacity and capacity retention of Si composite anodes. Si is the most promising anode active material for lithium-ion batteries owing to its high theoretical capacity and low operating potential. In this study, composite anodes consisting of nanoporous Si particles, Li 3 PS 4 solid electrolyte, and a conductive additive (CA) in weight ratios of 4:6: x (x = 1, 2, 3, and 4) are fabricated and tested. The electrical conductivities are 4.1 × 10-4 S cm−1 and 6.8 × 10-4 S cm−1 at × = 1 and 4, respectively. In addition, the charge capacity increases in proportion with CA content from 2700 mAh g−1 to 3015 mAh g−1. These results indicate that new conduction paths are created in the nanoporous Si composite anodes upon adding a CA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effect of a CA on the electrochemical performance of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries with Si-based anodes. Our findings provide valuable information that should be helpful in meeting the energy demands of next-generation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploiting fast-kinetics anode materials for lithium-ion batteries shows significant importance for promoting their power density. Herein, we exhibit a rational synthesis strategy of ultrafine spinel Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 nanocrystals and 3D hierarchical architectured composite by an aerosol process in which homogenous suspension of Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 , carbon black, and graphene oxide are atomized and assembled into spherical LTO/CB-G superstructure. The unique 3D architecture is well characterized, and its formation mechanism is discussed in detail. When applied in battery electrode, LTO/CB-G delivers superior rate performance and long cycling durability. Considering the potential large-scale production of graphene and the scalable aerosol-assisted process, 3D Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 -based nanocomposites hold great promise for high-power anodes in real applications of electric transportations. • Ultrafine LTO nanocrystals are synthesized via facile two-phase reaction. • Preparation of graphene-LTO nanocomposites is scalable from spray-drying. • The unique architecture enables superior rate and cycling performance. • The composites hold great promise for practical high-power LIBs anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal chalcogenides undergoing alloying and conversion mechanism can give high capacity as anode for lithium-ion batteries. However, large volume change and phase segregation lead to poor cycle performance. In this study, we focus on Sb 2 Se 3 and develop methods to enhance its long-term stability and reversibility. In particular, we find that carbon encapsulation reduces volume change during lithiation/delithiation and facilitates the recombination process of Sb and Se even after long cycling. With an addition of 20 wt% acetylene black, the Sb 2 Se 3 /C nanocomposite material exhibits an excellent cycle performance with a charge capacity of 545 mAh g−1 at 250 mA g−1 after 1000 cycles, corresponding to a capacity retention of 99.3%. We also demonstrate a full cell with LiFePO 4 cathode and Sb 2 Se 3 /C anode that is capable of delivering a stable capacity of 340 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 (about 3 C rate) after 300 cycles. • Sb 2 Se 3 nanoparticles encapsulated with carbon matrix is synthesized via mechanical ball-milling. • Carbon matrix enhances the mechanical stability of the electrode and suppresses phase segregation. • Sb 2 Se 3 @20%AB delivers a stable capacity of 545 mAh g−1 over 1000 cycles. • Sb 2 Se 3 @20%AB/LiFeO 4 full cell shows good rate capability and cycle stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A superior carbon black as conducting additive and LIB and NIB anodes is developed. • The superior carbon black is synthesized by amorphization and pre-lithiation/sodiation. • Electrochemical mechanism of the superior carbon black is elucidated using various analytical techniques. • The superior carbon black compensates ICE and increases the reversible capacity of anode materials. Carbon black (CB) is an inexpensive and widely used carbonaceous material. However, the reversibility between CB and Li or Na is very poor, and the initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) is so low that it cannot be used as an electrode material for rechargeable batteries. In this study, we successfully designed superior CB as a high-performance conducting additive for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) and Na-ion batteries (NIBs) using a simple two-step strategy: amorphization and pre-lithiation/sodiation. The Li- and Na-reversible capacities of amorphized CB increased significantly from 213 to 564 mAh g−1 for LIB and from 92 to 209 mAh g−1 for NIB; however, the corresponding ICEs of 61.5% for LIB and 33.5% for NIB are poor. The poor ICEs are supplemented via pre-lithiation/sodiation in the amorphized CB, which show over 100% ICEs with high Li- and Na-reversible capacities. Specifically, the modified CB has highly reversible capacities (>500 mAh g−1 for LIB, >300 mAh g−1 for NIB) with exceptionally high ICEs (133% ICE for LIB, 160% ICE for NIB), stable reversible capacities for over 100 cycles (470 mAh g−1 for LIB, 278 mAh g−1 for NIB), fast rate capabilities with highly reversible capacities at a 3C rate (~330 mAh g−1 for LIB, ~190 mAh g−1 for NIB), and excellent cycling behavior for over 300 cycles at a 1C rate. When used as a conducting additive, this CB contributes to high electrical conductivity and increase of ICE and the reversible capacity for LIB and NIB anode materials. These results are expected to have a significant impact on LIBs and NIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel core-shell structure hard carbon/Si-carbon composites are prepared, and their electrochemical performances as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries are reported. Three different types of shell coating are applied using Si-carbon, Si-carbon black-carbon and Si-carbon black-carbon/graphite nanosheets. It appears that the use of n-Si/carbon black/carbon composite particles in place of n-Si for the shell coating is of great importance to achieve enhanced electrochemical performances from the core-shell composite samples, and additional wrapping with graphite nanosheets leads to a more stable cycle performance of the core-shell composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-molecular-weight carbonyl-containing compounds are considered beneficial energy storage materials in alkali metal-ion/alkaline earth metal-ion secondary batteries owing to the ease of their synthesis, low cost, rapid kinetics, and high theoretical energy density. This study aims to prepare a novel carbonyl compound containing a maleamic acid (MA) backbone as a material with carbon black to a new MA anode electrode for a lithium-ion battery. MA was subjected to attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and its morphology was assessed through scanning electron microscopy, followed by differential scanning calorimetry to determine its thermal stability. Thereafter, the electrochemical properties of MA were investigated in coin cells (2032-type) containing Li metal as a reference electrode. The MA anode electrode delivered a high reversible capacity of about 685 mAh g−1 in the first cycle and a higher rate capability than that of the pristine carbon black electrode. Energy bandgap analysis, electrochemical impedance, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that MA significantly reduces cell impedance by reforming its chemical structure into new nitrogen-based highly ionic diffusion compounds. This combination of a new MA anode electrode with MA and carbon black can increase the performance of the lithium-ion battery, and MA majorly outweighs transitional carbon black. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Si@Cu quasi core-shell composite microsized particles with Cu 3 Si interface, prepared by ball milling and subsequent heating treatment, were investigated as anode materials for lithium ion batteries. The influence of Cu/Si mass ratio and heating treatment on its electrochemical performance was investigated by means of CV, EIS and discharge/charge test. It is found that Si&2Cu600L composite powders, which were fabricated by heat treating the Cu–Si mixed powders with mass ratio 2 at 600 °C for 6 h, exhibit the best electrochemical performance with 865 mAhg−1 discharge capacity and 649 mAhg−1 charge capacity after the 1st cycle and maintaining the charge capacity as high as 523.9 mAh/g after 100 cycles, corresponding to an initial coulombic efficiency of 75% and an average capacity fading rate of 0.23% per cycle, respectively, owing to the synergetic effect of Cu shell with good mechanical flexibility and electrical conductivity as well as Cu 3 Si phase both as a buffer layer accommodating the volume change of Si and as an adhesive layer increasing the electrical contact between Si and Cu upon cycling. Moreover, 10 wt% Cu nanowires, instead of carbon black, as conductive additives can further improve its rate capability significantly. • Si@Cu quasi core-shell composite microsized particles were fabricated. • Si@Cu quasi core-shell composite particles exhibit superior cycling performance. • Cu3Si layer in Cu/Si interface is beneficial for this good cycling performance. • The incorporation of Cu nanowire could increase rate capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon can be used in a variety of applications. Particularly, silicon particles are attracting increased attention as energy storage materials for lithium-ion batteries. However, silicon has a limited cycling performance owing to its peeling from the current collector and the volume expansion that occurs during alloying with lithium in the charging process. Significant contributors to this problem are the even distribution of silicon nanoparticles within the carbon matrix and their deep placement in the internal structure. In this study, we synthesized silicon nanoparticles and carbon materials via a bottom-up approach using a new method called plasma in solution. Silicon nanoparticles and the carbon matrix were synthesized in a structure similar to carbon black. It was confirmed that the silicon particles were evenly distributed in the carbon matrix. In addition, the evaluation of the electrochemical performance of the silicon–carbon matrix (Si–C) composite material showed that it exhibited stable cycling performance with high reversible capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ReS2 nanosheets are grown on the surface of carbon black (CB) via an efficient hydrothermal method. We confirmed the ultra-thin ReS2 nanosheets with ≈1–4 layers on the surface of the CB (ReS2@CB) by using analytical techniques of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The ReS2@CB nanocomposite showed high specific capacities of 760, 667, 600, 525, and 473 mAh/g at the current densities of 0.1 (0.23 C), 0.2 (0.46 C), 0.3 (0.7 C), 0.5 (1.15 C) and 1.0 A/g (2.3 C), respectively, in conjunction with its excellent cycling performance (432 mAh/g at 2.3 C; 91.4% capacity retention) after 100 cycles. Such LIB performance is greatly higher than pure CB and ReS2 powder samples. These results could be due to the following reasons: (1) the low-cost CB serves as a supporter enabling the formation of ≈1–4 layered nanosheets of ReS2, thus avoiding its agglomeration; (2) the CB enhances the electrical conductivity of the ReS2@CB nanocomposite; (3) the ultra-thin (1–4 layers) ReS2 nanosheets with imperfect structure can function as increasing the number of active sites for reaction of Li+ ions with electrolytes. The outstanding performance and unique structural characteristics of the ReS2@CB anodes make them promising candidates for the ever-increasing development of advanced LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hindrance to the practical use of sodium-ion batteries is the lack of adequate anode materials. By utilizing the co-intercalation reaction, graphite, which is the most common anode material of lithium-ion batteries, was used for storing sodium ion. However, its performance, such as reversible capacity and coulombic efficiency, remains unsatisfactory for practical needs. Therefore, to overcome these drawbacks, a new carbon material was synthesized so that co-intercalation could occur efficiently. This carbon material has the same morphology as carbon black; that is, it has a wide pathway due to a turbostratic structure, and a short pathway due to small primary particles that allows the co-intercalation reaction to occur efficiently. Additionally, due to the numerous voids present in the inner amorphous structure, the sodium storage capacity was greatly increased. Furthermore, owing to the coarse co-intercalation reaction due to the surface pore structure, the formation of solid-electrolyte interphase was greatly suppressed and the first cycle coulombic efficiency reached 80%. This study shows that the carbon material alone can be used to design good electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries without the use of next-generation materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]