Enhancing Li-Ion Battery Anodes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Performance of Crystalline C₆₀...

Recently, C₆₀ has emerged as a promising anode material for Li-ion batteries, attracting significant interest due to its excellent lithium storage capacity. The electrochemical performance of C₆₀ as an anode is largely dependent on its internal crystal structure, which is significantly influenced by the synthesis method and corresponding conditions. However, there have been few reports on how the synthesis process affects the crystal structure and Li⁺ storage capacity of C₆₀. This study used the liquid-liquid interface precipitation method and a low-temperature annealing process to fabricate one-dimensional C₆₀ nanorods (NRs). We thoroughly investigated synthesis conditions, including the growth time, drying temperature, annealing time, and annealing atmosphere. The results demonstrate that these synthesis conditions directly impact the morphology, phase transition, and electrochemical efficiency of pure C₆₀ NRs. Remarkably, the hexagonal close-packed structural C₆₀ NRs-6012h, in a metastable form, exhibits a reversible Li⁺ storage capacity as an anode material in Li-ion batteries. Furthermore, the face-centered cubic C₆₀ NRs-603001h electrode shows significantly enhanced rate performance and long-cycle stability. A discharge-specific capacity of 603 mAh g^-1 was maintained after 2000 cycles at a current density of 2 A g^-1. This study elucidates the effect of synthesis conditions on C₆₀ crystals, offering an effective strategy for preparing high-performance C₆₀ anode materials.