Carbon xerogels graphitized by microwave heating as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries

An easy method to prepare carbon xerogels with tailored porous properties and high degree of graphitization is reported. A pristine carbon xerogel was obtained by microwave-assisted synthesis, which was then transformed into a graphitic carbon also via microwave heating. Graphitized carbon materials were obtained by using different microwave power densities and processing times, these parameters enabling the control of both the microporosity and the degree of graphitization of the initial carbon xerogel. This simple method has been found to improve the electrical conductivity of the pristine carbon xerogel up to 90%. The prepared graphitized materials were also evaluated as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries, resulting in stable cycle performances with specific capacities 70% higher than that of raw carbon xerogels.