Pore structure design via modified phase inversion strategy toward high-performance hard carbon anode
Zi Li1,2, Xiaojie Wang1, Xuewen Yu2
1School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|October 21, 2025
Summary
Researchers engineered hard carbon (HC) anodes using a novel phase inversion method. This strategy enhances ion accessibility and framework stability, leading to superior performance in sodium-ion batteries and capacitors.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Pore structure engineering is crucial for high-performance hard carbon (HC) anodes in energy storage devices.
- Current methods for controlling pore structure in HC materials are often limited and challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel strategy for precise pore structure engineering in hard carbon anodes.
- To investigate the impact of controlled pore architecture on electrochemical performance.
Main Methods:
- A phase inversion-based strategy was employed using polyacrylonitrile and sodium lignosulfonate.
- Controlled carbonization was used to regulate pore size distribution and wall chemistry.
- Electrochemical performance was evaluated in half-cells and sodium-ion capacitors.
Main Results:
- The engineered HC anode exhibited a high reversible capacity of 305 mAh g-1 at 0.1C.
- Excellent capacity retention of 68% was achieved at a high rate of 2C.
- The material demonstrated outstanding performance in sodium-ion capacitors.
Conclusions:
- The phase inversion strategy effectively regulates pore structure and wall chemistry in HC anodes.
- Enhanced ion accessibility and robust frameworks contribute to superior electrochemical performance.
- This work offers a new design pathway for developing advanced hard carbon materials for energy storage.
