Assembly of N-and P-functionalized carbon nanostructures derived from precursor-defined ternary copolymers for high-capacity lithiumion batteries

摘要

Synthesis of new carbon nanostructures with tunable properties is vital for precisely regulating electrochemical performance in the wide applications.Herein,we report a novel approach for the oxidative polymerization of N-and P-bearing copolymers from the self-assembly of three different monomers(aniline,pyrrole,and phytic acid),and further prepare the respective carbon nanostructures with relatively consistent N dopant(6.2%–8.0%,atom)and varying P concentrations(0.4%–2.8%,atom)via controllable pyrolysis.The impacts of phytic acid addition on the compositional,structural,and morphological evolution of the copolymers and the resulting nanocarbons are well studied through a spectrum of characterizations including N2 sorption,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,gel permeation chromatograph,scanning/transmission electron microscopy,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.Gradual fragmentation of the nanosphere structures is evidenced with increasing addition of phytic acid,leading to different nanostructures from hollow nanospheres to 3D aggregates.Nanocarbons decorated with N and P dopants from pyrolysis are further utilized as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries,demonstrating enhanced electrochemical performance,i.e.,a reversible capacity of 380 mA
h
g^(-1)at 2 A
g^(-1)for NPC-0.5 during 200 cycles.The superior performance originates from the balanced porosity,and appropriate concentrations of P and pyrrolic N,thus pointing the direction for designing high-performance anode materials.