Carbonaceous anode materials for lithium-ion batteries – the road ahead

Abstract

Graphites and hard carbons are the mainstay of anode materials in practical lithium-ion batteries. With their dominance beginning to be threatened by other alternative anode materials such as silicon and intermetallics, continual research is directed at exploring known carbonaceous materials as well as at synthesizing new carbon-based anodes. After a review of lithium storage mechanisms in various carbon forms, this article explores avenues for crossovers between chemistry and materials science for tailoring carbonaceous materials that can cater to increasing power demands of emerging technologies. In particular, this review suggests opportunities and problem areas in anodes based on carbon composites as well as novel carbonaceous materials such as kish graphites, carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, curved carbon lattices and graphenes that are expected to prolong the legacy of carbon in lithium-ion batteries.