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Published on: November 11, 2013
Spherical Lignin-Derived Hard Carbon Anode for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Haoming Luo1, Pan Yang1, Jinghao Huang1
1Department of Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA.
Chemsuschem
|July 25, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed spherical lignin-derived hard carbon anodes for high-performance sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Optimizing carbonization temperature and electrolyte formulation enhances capacity and cycle life, particularly at high temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Biomass-derived hard carbon offers a low-cost, tunable anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs).
- Controlling carbonization temperature is key to optimizing hard carbon's structure and electrochemical properties.
- Lignin presents a sustainable source for hard carbon anode development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop spherical lignin-derived hard carbon anodes for high-performance SIBs.
- To investigate the impact of carbonization temperature on hard carbon structure and electrochemical behavior.
- To explore strategies for enhancing SIB performance at elevated temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Spherical lignin-derived hard carbon was synthesized with carbonization temperatures ranging from 900 to 1400 °C.
- Structural characterization (surface chemistry, turbostratic structure, pore texture) was performed.
- Electrochemical performance was evaluated, including discharge capacity, cycle life, and high-temperature behavior with varying electrolyte compositions.
Main Results:
- Increasing carbonization temperature reduced oxygen-containing groups and improved initial Coulombic efficiency.
- Hard carbon carbonized at 1300 °C achieved a reversible capacity of 335.9 mAh g-1 and long cycle life.
- Optimal electrolyte formulation (2M NaPF6 in DEGDME) enhanced high-temperature performance.
Conclusions:
- Carbonization temperature and electrolyte formulation are critical for developing high-performance lignin-derived hard carbon anodes for SIBs.
- Optimized hard carbon anodes exhibit excellent capacity and stability, even at elevated operating temperatures.
- This research provides a practical approach for advancing SIB technology using sustainable materials.
