Facile synthesis of hydrogenated carbon nanospheres with a graphite-like ordered carbon structure

Abstract

We report a synthesis of hydrogenated carbon nanospheres (HCNSs) via a facile solvothermal route at low temperatures (60–100 °C), using CHCl₃ as the carbon source and potassium (K) as the reductant. Selective cleavage of the relatively lower stable C–Cl bonds (compared to C–H bonds) of the carbon precursor (CHCl₃) by K metal results in the growth of HCNSs. The diameter of HCNSs ranges from 40 to 90 nm. The HCNSs have a graphite-like ordered carbon structure in spite of their high degree of hydrogenation. The HCNSs exhibit an average Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 43 m² g⁻¹, containing a small amount of mesopores and macropores in the structure. The nanospheres’ sample as an anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) has been studied. It exhibits a high discharge capacity (3539 mA h g⁻¹ in the first cycle, 978 mA h g⁻¹ after 50 cycles) and good cycling stability, demonstrating advantages as a promising candidate for anode materials in LIBs. The high capacity of the HCNSs is due to their unique nanostructures and high percentage hydrogenation, as well as hydrogenation induced structural defects.