Spherical hard carbon prepared from potato starch using as anode material for Li-ion batteries

Abstract Spherical hard carbon (SHC) was easily prepared by one-step programmed heating of potato starch under inert atmosphere. The as-prepared hard carbon spherules preserved original spherical shapes of natural potato starch granules and had widely dispersed diameters which were smaller than those of potato starch granules. The surfaces of the hard carbon spherules were very smooth, which differed from rough undulating appearances of potato starch granules. In terms of microstructure, SHC was typical of disordered carbon with micropores throughout it. In addition, SHC was evaluated as an anodic material for Li-ion batteries. The reversible capacity of SHC was about 531 mAhg− 1 with a first-cycle coulombic efficiency of 73.1%. Besides, SHC showed stable cycling performances and good rate capability.