Dual-templated synthesis of mesoporous lignin-derived honeycomb-like porous carbon/SiO2 composites for high-performance Li-ion battery

Abstract

Lignin-derived carbon is regarded as one of the most promising electrochemical energy storage materials because of its sustainability, low cost and high conductivity. However, the lithium-ion storage capability of lignin-derived carbon in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is hampered by its disordered wine bottle-like micropores. Herein, a lignin-derived honeycomb-like porous carbon encapsulated SiO 2 (LHC/SiO 2 -21) with three-dimensional interconnected honeycomb-like mesoporous structure is synthesized via a dual-template-assisted self-assembly strategy. The ordered mesoporous structure and high pore volume (2.23 cm 3 g −1 ) synergistically lead to fast lithium ions diffusion kinetics and more lithium-ion storage sites. When applied as anode materials for LIBs, LHC/SiO 2 -21 exhibits a high reversible capacity of 1109 mAh g −1 , superior rate capability, and long cycle performance. Moreover, the high-capacity LHC/SiO 2 -21 is prepared by a green approach originating from low-cost lignin and self-assembly method. Thus, lignin-derived carbon materials have the great potential for the application in energy storage. Synopsis: A high-efficient and green process was developed to synthesis 3D lignin-derived honeycomb-like carbon/silica composite to buffer the volume expansion of silica and improve the dispersion of nano-SiO 2 . • HLC/SiO 2 -21 with 3D honeycomb-like structure is synthesized by a dual-templated method. • HLC/SiO 2 -21 has mesoporous pore size and large mesoporous pore volume. • SDBS used as soft template controls lignin microstructure and disperses nano-SiO 2 . • Nano-SiO 2 used as hard template provides uniform size of mesopores. • HLC/SiO 2 -21 anode shows excellent electrochemical performance.