Carbon thermal shock assisted activated carbon for lead carbon batteries: Uniform loading of lead nanoparticles and pore regulation

Abstract

Activated carbon is currently recognized as one of the most promising additives for lead carbon batteries, but how to suppress intense hydrogen evolution and sulfation of lead carbon anode remains a challenge. Herein, we innovatively use programmable carbon thermal shock to achieve uniform dispersion and anchoring of lead nanoparticles on the surface of activated carbon, as well as selective removal of a portion of micropores. Owing to the synergistic mechanism of uniform dispersion of lead nanoparticles and pore regulation, the composites have extremely low hydrogen evolution rate, ultra-fast catalytic Pb2+ reduction rate, and can facilitate the growth of stable lead carbon interphase. The collaboration of multiple functions of composites increases the cycling life of simulated anode under high rate partial state of charge (HRPSoC) from 5449 cycles to 18,139 cycles, and the capacity retention rate under partial state of charge (PSoC) from 49 % to 82 % after 150 cycles. Furthermore, the as-fabricated lead carbon battery (12 V-12 Ah) exhibits an ultra-long cycle life of 32,107 cycles under HRPSoC and excellent rate discharge performance.