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Updated: Feb 9, 2026
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Fabrication, Densification, and Replica Molding of 3D Carbon Nanotube Microstructures
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Microstructure-Interface Modulation Boosts Sodium Storage Capacity and Stability of Hard Carbon
Zhe Wang1, Yutian Yang1, Hang Li1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Electronic Packaging and Advanced Functional Materials of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|February 7, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a novel strategy to enhance hard carbon (HC) anodes for sodium-ion batteries. This approach improves sodium storage capacity and cycling stability, crucial for battery performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Hard carbon (HC) anodes face challenges in sodium-ion batteries due to limited Na+ storage capacity and poor cycling stability.
- These limitations are strongly linked to the anode's microstructure and interface properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a synergistic strategy for modulating the microstructure and interface of resin-based HC.
- To enhance Na+ storage active sites and structural stability for improved battery performance.
Main Methods:
- Introduced C=O groups for reversible Na+ adsorption.
- Utilized carboxyl and phenolic hydroxyl groups to anchor Zn2+ ions, creating hierarchical pores.
- Expanded interlayer spacing to improve Na+ intercalation/deintercalation kinetics.
Main Results:
- The optimized ZGB-HC material achieved a high capacity of 406 mAh g-1 at 50 mA g-1.
- Demonstrated exceptional cycling stability with over 1000 cycles at 1 A g-1.
- The Na3V2(PO4)3||ZGB-HC full cell showed a rate capability of 96.4 mAh g-1 at 4 C and stable cycling for over 250 cycles at 2C.
Conclusions:
- The developed strategy effectively enhances HC anode performance for sodium-ion batteries.
- Provides new insights into the structural evolution of HC anodes during cycling.
- Offers a promising approach for designing advanced energy storage materials.
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