Synthesis of BCN nanoribbons from coconut shells using as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

A green and efficient route to the synthesis of boron carbonitride (BCN) nanoribbons was demonstrated using waste coconut shells, boric acid and urea as the raw materials. The BCN nanoribbons were then applied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The BCN nanoribbons possessed high specific surface area and porosity because of the inherent characteristics of the coconut shells, providing multiple active sites and diffusion channels for Li+ ions. High specific capacity, excellent rate capability and cycling stability were achieved especially when the carbon content in BCN is relatively high. The average reversible capacity and the retention rate reached 800 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and 98% after 1000 cycles, respectively. This route not only paved a new way to the synthesis of BCN nanoribbons, but also realized the reuse of waste natural resources for fabricating LIBs anode materials with excellent performance.