Thermopressure Coupling Effect Mimicking Natural Graphite Formation to Enhance the Storage K–Ion Performance of Carbonaceous Heterostructures
Tianyi Ji,
Xiaoxu Liu,
Hui Wang,
Yunli Shi,
Yang Li,
Man Zhang,
Junqi Li,
Hui Liu,
Ze Xiang Shen
Affiliations
Tianyi Ji
Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Green Preparation and Functionalization for Inorganic Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering,
Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, Shaanxi, China.
Xiaoxu Liu
Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Green Preparation and Functionalization for Inorganic Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering,
Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, Shaanxi, China.
Hui Wang
Division of Physics and Applied Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences,
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore.
Yunli Shi
Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Green Preparation and Functionalization for Inorganic Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering,
Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, Shaanxi, China.
Yang Li
Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Green Preparation and Functionalization for Inorganic Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering,
Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, Shaanxi, China.
Man Zhang
Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Green Preparation and Functionalization for Inorganic Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering,
Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, Shaanxi, China.
Junqi Li
Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Green Preparation and Functionalization for Inorganic Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering,
Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, Shaanxi, China.
Hui Liu
Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Green Preparation and Functionalization for Inorganic Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering,
Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, Shaanxi, China.
Ze Xiang Shen
Division of Physics and Applied Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences,
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore.
Borrowing from natural mechanisms for material design can lead to functional mimicry and improvement. Inspired by graphite formation, a thermopressure coupling strategy under micropressure (<400 Pa) is applied to prepare carbon anodes. A thermopressure response is discovered based on the cellulose precursor. Here, homologous graphene quantum dot/hard carbon (GQD/HC) heterostructures are synthesized. Under 181.4 Pa and 1,200 °C, the product shows a capacity of 310 mAh g−1, while the capacity of the direct carbonization product is only 120 mAh g−1. Prominently, the GQD/HC heterostructure displays marked mechanical strength and flexibility. The experimental and theoretical results illustrate the ion and electron transfer, coordination environment, and electronic states in the GQD/HC heterostructure and elaborate on the origin of the enhanced performance. The thermopressure coupling under micropressure mimics graphite formation, but the heterostructure has better properties than traditional carbon materials. Additionally, micropressure injects new vitality into material research.
