Spent asphalt-derived mesoporous carbon for high-performance Li/Na/K-ion storage

Abstract

Along with the surging demand for rechargeable alkali-ion (Li + , Na + , or K + ) batteries, cost and availability of the battery materials become critical. In this paper, we report the use of spent asphalt, which is widely available and even poses environmental risks, to produce a high-performing universal Li/Na/K-ion host material. Taking advantage of a nano-Fe 2 O 3 template, the spent asphalt is converted into mesoporous carbon with an interconnected three-dimensional porous structure, high surface area, and numerous crystal defects. As an anode material for Li-ion batteries, the mesoporous carbon exhibits a reversible capability of 674.2 mA h g −1 at 0.2 A g −1 as well as excellent rate and cycling performance (258.7 mA h g −1 at 1.0 A g −1 after 1000 cycles) owing to the shortened diffusion path of ion and easier penetration of electrolytes. The carbon anode also delivers superior reversible capacities and cycling stability in Na-ion and K-ion batteries. With the potential to simultaneously tackle energy and environmental problems, the spent asphalt-derived mesoporous carbon is promising for large-scale applications. • Spent asphalt is used as a raw material to produce mesoporous carbon. • The product has interconnecting pores, high surface area, and crystal defects. • The product exhibits appealing electrochemical properties in Li/Na/K-ion batteries. • The study is promising for waste reclamation of spent asphalt.