Hierarchical porous carbons fabricated from silica via flame synthesis as anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

A convenient and cost-effective flame approach to produce a silica template with a unique structure was proposed. The hierarchical porous carbon materials (PCMs) fabricated employing presently prepared silica provide a high specific surface area for the diffusion of Li ions and transportation of electrons. Analysis of nitrogen absorption-desorption and pore size distribution (PSD) shows that PCMs possess plenty of micropores, mesopores, and macropores. Benefiting from the cooperation of various-sized pores, the PCMs-700 as anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) exhibits outstanding reversible capacities of 1332 mAh g−1 at current density of 37.2 mA g−1 (0.1 C) and 834 mAh g−1 at 372 mA g−1 (1 C). And when the current density is increased to 3.72 A g−1 (10 C), it could still retain reversible capacity of 430 mAh g−1. This result suggests that the hierarchical porous carbon material would be a promising anode material in the LIBs.