Preparation methods and challenges of carbon materials from coal tar pitch for energy storage

Coal tar pitch (CTP) is an important chemical by-product of the coking processing of coal. CTP contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives, and it is often used to build and repair roads. To improve the high-value utilization of the PAHs in CTP, researchers have adopted many methods to prepare carbon materials that exhibit superb surface area, excellent electron conductivity, splendid physiochemical stability and wide applications. Herein, the source and properties of CTP are first described. The methods, advantages and mechanism for the preparation of carbon materials from CTP are then described in detail. Second, the applications of carbon materials derived from CTP in supercapacitors, lithium ion batteries, sodium ion batteries, potassium ion batteries, and hybrid capacitors are elaborated. Finally, the major challenges, perspectives and practical strategies for both fundamental studies and applications of carbon materials from CTP have been identified. This review aims to provide insights into the relationships among the preparation methods, structural characteristics, and properties of carbon materials derived from CTP.