Spherical activated-carbon nanoparticles derived from biomass green tea wastes for anode material of lithium-ion battery

Abstract Spherical mesoporous activated carbon (SM-AC) nanoparticles were synthesized from green tea wastes via KOH activation combined with the hydrochloric acid treatment, and were established as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The SM-AC sample showed an aggregated nanoparticle structure with a high surface area (1241 m2/g) and high porosity. The SM-AC anode exhibited an initial discharge capacity of 781 mAh/g and a reversible capacity of 498 mAh/g after 100 cycles with an excellent rate capability. It may be an encouraging candidate as an anode material for high performance LIBs.