Modified disordered carbon prepared from 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride as an anode material for Li-ion batteries

To prepare an anode material for Li-ion batteries with high discharge capacity and good cycling stability, disordered carbon (DC) formed by calcinations of 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride was modified via an acid treatment using a mixture of HNO3 and H2SO4. The modified disordered carbon (MDC) was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR spectra confirm the successful introduction of carbonyl groups onto the DC surface. Some pores appear in the columnar structure of MDC, as observed in SEM micrographs. Li+ ions intercalation/deintercalation is facilitated by the modified morphology. Electrochemical tests show that the MDC exhibits a significant improvement in discharge capacity and cycling stability. These results indicate that the MDC has strong potential for use as an anode material in Li-ion batteries.