Improved rate performance and cycling stability of graphitized mesoporous carbon as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Graphitized mesoporous carbon (GMPC) materials are successfully prepared by a simple template method, using mesophase pitch as carbon source and nano-silica as a template. The mass percentage of silica plays critical roles in the crystalline structure, specific surface area and pore structure as well as the electrochemical performance of GMPC materials. The results show that GMPC materials graphitized at 2400 °C possess both abundant mesopores and a large amount of graphitized microcrystalline domains. The GMPC materials as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries exhibit improved rate performance and good cycling stability, presenting reversible capacity of 248.3 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 C after 100 cycles (retention of 99.7%). The superior high-rate performances of the GMPC materials are attributed to their unique carbon structures combining the hierarchical porous structure and graphitized microcrystalline domains, which would facilitate the rapid diffusion of electrolyte and Li ions and improve the effective utilization of the material surface.