Enhancing Li-Ion Battery Anodes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Performance of Crystalline C₆₀ Nanorods with Controlled Morphology and Phase Transition

Recently, C 60 has emerged as a promising anode material for Li-ion batteries, attracting significant interest due to its excellent lithium storage capacity. The electrochemical performance of C 60 as an anode is largely dependent on its internal crystal structure, which is significantly influenced by the synthesis method and corresponding conditions. However, there have been few reports on how the synthesis process affects the crystal structure and Li + storage capacity of C 60 . This study used the liquid–liquid interface precipitation method and a low-temperature annealing process to fabricate one-dimensional C 60 nanorods (NRs). We thoroughly investigated synthesis conditions, including the growth time, drying temperature, annealing time, and annealing atmosphere. The results demonstrate that these synthesis conditions directly impact the morphology, phase transition, and electrochemical efficiency of pure C 60 NRs. Remarkably, the hexagonal close-packed structural C 60 NRs-6012h, in a metastable form, exhibits a reversible Li + storage capacity as an anode material in Li-ion batteries. Furthermore, the face-centered cubic C 60 NRs-603001h electrode shows significantly enhanced rate performance and long-cycle stability. A discharge-specific capacity of 603 mAh g –1 was maintained after 2000 cycles at a current density of 2 A g –1 . This study elucidates the effect of synthesis conditions on C 60 crystals, offering an effective strategy for preparing high-performance C 60 anode materials.