Algae-derived hard carbon anodes for Na-ion batteries

Abstract: In this work, the production of low cost and environment friendly anodes for sodium ion batteries is investigated. Algae are selected as bio-source of non-graphitic Hard Carbon (HC) with open structure acting as intercalation active material for Na ions storage. Chlorella vulgaris algae were pyrolyzed at temperatures comprised between 800 and 1100 °C. The decomposition products have been characterized with Scanning Electrode Microscope (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses and their structure compared to one of the synthetic commercial HC. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) allowed to assess the decomposition process throughout the selected temperature scan. The obtained algae-derived HC is tested as anodic material for Na-ion battery, investigating the effect of pyrolysis temperature on the electrochemical behaviour. Their performances are compared with respect to a commercial synthetic HC active material. The results allow to consider algae as an environmentally benign and sustainable high added-value material for the production of HC anodes for Na-ion batteries. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]