Expanded Graphite as a Superior Anion Host Carrying High Output Voltage (4.62 V) and High Energy Density for Lithium...

The demand for safer, sustainable, and economical energy storage devices has motivated the development of lithium dual-ion batteries (Li_DIBs) for large-scale storage applications. For the Li_DIBs, expanded graphite (EG) cathodes are valuable as anion intercalation host frameworks to fabricate safer and more cost-effective devices. In this study, three different carbon cathode materials, including microwave-treated expanded graphite (MW-EG), ball-milled expanded graphite (BM-EG), and high-temperature-carbonized carbon nanoflakes (CNFs), were developed by different synthesis methods. Li_DIBs were configured by employing 4 M of LiPF₆ in a dimethyl carbonate electrolyte and MW-EG/BM-EG/CNF as an anion host cathode. After 600 cycles, a Li-MW-EG Li_DIB exhibited a reversible capacity of 66.1 mAh/g with a high Coulombic efficiency of 96.2% at a current rate of 0.05 A/g and an outstanding average energy density of 298.97 Wh/kg (with an output voltage of 4.62 V). The remarkable electrochemical results are associated with (i) moderate structural defects with a very low I ratio (0.848), (ii) degree of graphitization, which improves the mechanical stability and conductivity, and (iii) large pore volume and pore diameter, easy facilitating the accumulation of PF₆^- ions. The energy density characteristics demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing MW-EG as a promising cathode for energy-related Li_DIB applications.