Enhanced fast charging capabilities in natural graphite/iron cross-linked pectin electrodes for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Rapid charging capabilities are required for the broader adoption of lithium-ion batteries in emerging technologies such as electric vehicles. Although commercial graphite anodes provide a high energy density, their limitations in quick charging warrant the exploration of novel materials. This study extends prior research on the use of pectin, a natural polysaccharide, as an organic binder for graphite anodes. By introducing iron into pectin, we propose a unique ion-crosslinking mechanism that causes the graphite anode to exhibit pseudocapacitive Li storage. Our findings, corroborated by 3D Bode analysis and AC impedance spectra, revealed a positive correlation between the iron ion and the pseudocapacitive vertex in the graphite reaction. Compared with conventional binders, graphite electrodes utilizing iron-doped pectin demonstrated superior initial and stable capacities, reaching 450 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 1C. This study highlights the synergistic effect of pectin and iron ions, offering a new avenue for high-performance, rapid-charging, and environmentally sustainable lithium-ion batteries.