Electrochemical Compatibility of Microzonal Carbon in Ion Uptake and Molecular Insights into Interphase Evolution for Next‐Generation Li‐Ion Batteries

Abstract Carbon anode‐based Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) have been widely used ranging from portable electronics to electric vehicles (EVs). Here a novel carbon material called microzonal carbon is introduced, synthesized from waste hard rubber (WHR), as an anode material for next‐generation LIBs. This material consists of a hybrid carbon structure embedded with short range ordered carbon zones, including expanded graphene sheets and nanopores. Two types of microzonal carbons (M‐5H and M‐10H) are tested in LIBs to unveil their electrochemical performance. The anode fabricated with M‐10H provides a high initial coulombic efficiency (60%), reversible capacity (377 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.13 C), rate capability (275 mA h g⁻¹ at 2.6 C) and cyclic stability (capacity retention of 99% at 0.13 C after 100 cycles). The electrochemical properties of microzonal carbon can be attributed to its unique hybrid carbon structure, facilitating fast ion diffusion, high electronic conductivity, and the ability to form stable interphase. Therefore, this work presents new insights into the electrochemical behavior of microzonal carbon as an anode material in next‐generation LIBs.