A uniform nitrogen-rich interphase optimizes interfacial kinetics for stable graphite anodes

Abstract

Graphite anodes are impeded by persistent interfacial solvent co-intercalation and sluggish kinetics. However, conventional interphase engineering approaches primarily rely on wet-coating methods, which invariably suffer from heterogeneous deposition due to sluggish solvent evaporation, thereby compromising interphase uniformity. Herein, we utilize instantaneous solute precipitation via phase inversion followed by carbonization, strategically engineering a uniform nitrogen-rich interphase (carbonized polyacrylonitrile, CPAN) on the graphite surface. The multifunctional layer serves as a robust physical barrier that sterically blocks solvent penetration, thereby eliminating structural degradation and exfoliation. Simultaneously, abundant pyridinic nitrogen moieties inherent to the carbonaceous matrix endow pronounced lithiophilicity, substantially accelerating interfacial ion transfer kinetics. Benefiting from the synergistic integration of complementary functionalities, the modified graphite Gr@CPAN exhibits markedly enhanced reversible capacity, superior rate capability, and exceptional long-term cycling stability. This work underscores the practicality of rapid precipitation coating, offering a straightforward avenue toward optimized interphase engineering for stable graphite anodes.