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Graphitic nanorings for super-long lifespan lithium-ion capacitors

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Abstract

Porous graphitic carbon nanorings (PGCNs) are proposed by smart catalytic graphitization of nano-sized graphene quantum dots (GQDs). The as-prepared PGCNs show unique ring-like morphology with diameter around 10 nm, and demonstrate extraordinary mesoporous structure, controllable graphitization degree and highly defective nature. The mechanism from GQDs to PGCNs is proven to be a dissolution-precipitation process, undergoing the procedure of amorphous carbon, intermediate phase, graphitic carbon nanorings and graphitic carbon nanosheets. Further, the relationship between particles size of GQDs precursor and graphitization degree of PGCNs products is revealed. The unique microstructure implies PGCNs a broad prospect for energy storage application. When applied as negative electrode materials in dual-carbon lithium-ion capacitors, high energy density (77.6 Wh·kg−1) and super long lifespan (89.5% retention after 40,000 cycles at 5.0 A·g−1) are obtained. The energy density still maintains at 24.5 Wh·kg−1 even at the power density of 14.1 kW·kg−1, demonstrating excellent rate capability. The distinct microstructure of PGCNs together with the strategy for catalytic conversion from nanocarbon precursors to carbon nanorings opens a new window for carbon materials in electrochemical energy storage.

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Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51974370 and 51874360), the Program of Huxiang Young Talents (No. 2019RS2002), the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Project of Hunan Province, China (No. 2018GK5026), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of Central South University (No. 2019zzts225).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Metallurgy and Environment & College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China

    Guangchao Li, Zhoulan Yin, Yuqing Dai, Bianzheng You, Huajun Guo, Zhixing Wang, Guochun Yan & Jiexi Wang

  2. State Key Laboratory for Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China

    Yong Liu & Jiexi Wang

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  1. Guangchao Li
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  2. Zhoulan Yin
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  4. Bianzheng You
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Correspondence to Jiexi Wang.

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Li, G., Yin, Z., Dai, Y. et al. Graphitic nanorings for super-long lifespan lithium-ion capacitors. Nano Res. 13, 2909–2916 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-020-2811-z

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