Dual-functional graphitic carbon materials from methane pyrolysis for lithium-ion batteries

Carbon materials are essential for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the dominant energy storage devices. However, current carbon material production processes often have a high carbon footprint, causing a significant sustainability issue. Methane pyrolysis (CH 4 → 2H 2 + C) is a promising method for clean hydrogen production with large amounts of solid carbon materials as a coproduct. This study investigates using graphitic carbon materials produced from a catalytic CH 4 pyrolysis process via iron ore catalysts as anode materials and conductive additives in cathodes of LIBs. Purified graphitic carbon materials exhibit excellent electrochemical performance compared to commercial natural graphite and carbon black conductive additives. They enable enhanced rate capability and cycling stability in both anode and lithium iron phosphate cathode LIB half cells, which can be attributed to their unique hollow core-shell structure, increased surface area , and superior electrical conductivity . In anode half-cell configuration, the carbon materials displayed superior charging capacity at a current density of 1 C (i.e., 120.4 vs. 70.2 mAh g −1 of natural graphite). Likewise, cathode half-cell tests reveal an elevated discharge capacity of 145.9 mAh g −1 compared to carbon black (i.e., 132.1 mAh g −1 ) at 2 C. LIB full-cell tests also show high rate capability and energy density . This study demonstrates the potential of carbon materials from CH 4 pyrolysis as a high-performance dual-functional graphitic carbon material for LIBs, opening the door to utilizing more sustainable carbon materials in the battery industry.