Cross-linked copolymer-derived nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon with high-performance lithium storage capability

Abstract

Here we describe a facile, low-cost, and scalable synthesis of nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon (N-HPC) through a contemporaneous carbonization–activation process of a cross-linked polymer obtained by the one-step copolymerization of divinylbenzene (DVB) and 1-vinylimidazole (VI) monomers. The as-prepared N-HPC features a high surface area of up to 1685 m² g⁻¹ with the coexistence of abundant micro-, meso-, and macropores. When applied in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the N-HPC anode exhibits superior initial reversal capacity (1045.9 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹), cyclic stability (retention of 73.6% at 2 A g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles) and rate capability (450.5 mA h g⁻¹ at 2 A g⁻¹) on account of its architectural and compositional superiority compared with either the HPC material carbonized from the self-polymerization product of DVB or commercial graphite. We believe that this work can provide new impetus to the large-scale implementation of high-performance and affordable LIBs that are pivotal in the sustainable development of our society.