A hybrid flexible N-doped candle-soot carbon nanofibers for binder-free lithium-ion battery anode

Abstract

This work demonstrates a unique fractal-like candle soot-derived carbon nanoparticles (CSC) decorated onto nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers (CSC@N-CNFs) by a one-step electrospinning process as a self-standing flexible anode for lithium-ion battery (LIB). The CSC nanoparticles exhibit a short-range ordered structure with large interlayer spacing for enhanced Li ion storage. In addition, the N-CNFs provide flexibility and stability to prevent volume expansion during electrochemical reactions. The synergistic impact of the hybrid structure provides the flexible anode with a high initial discharge capacity of 1030 mAh/g at 0.1C with an outstanding coulombic efficiency of ∼100% at 30C (5 A/g). The enhanced performance is due to the increased electrical conductivity from N-doping from CNFs, the hard carbon morphology of CSC nanoparticles, the 3D interconnected nanofiber framework, and the binder-free flexible nature.