Lignosulfonate for improving electrochemical performance of chitin derived carbon materials as a superior anode for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Lignosulfonate, a by-product spent sulfite pulping liquor from the paper and pulping industry, was a suitable natural sulfur dopant for improving electrochemical performance of chitin derived carbon materials. Herein, a cost-effective method of possible large-scale production was reported to fabricate heteroatoms-doped porous carbon (CLs) as advanced electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries applications. After a simple pyrolysis process of chitin mixed with lignosulfonate, generated CLsequipped with abundant defect structures. Remarkably, although portion of lignosulfonate (1/3 of chitin) was introduced, the specific surface area (SSA) of CLs enhanced to 411.64 m2g−1 (CL800). In addition, its capacitive characteristic improved, effectively, delivering high a reversible specific capacity of up to 644.5 mA h g−1 at current density of 50 mA g−1. After 300 cycles at the current density of 100 mA g−1, it still remained a specific capacity of 350.7 mA g−1. Such anode material presented excellent electrochemical performance, good rate capability and cycling stability, attributed to containing abundant N and S elements, providing a green avenue for converting biomass waste to high electrochemical performance heteroatoms-doped carbon materials, having promising application in the energy storage field.