A process for developing spherical graphite from coal tar as high performing carbon anode for Li-ion batteries

A new cost-effective method is developed to synthesize crystalline spherical graphite known as mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) by the heat treatment of coal tar without the need of catalysts or additives and tested for its performance as anode material in Lithium-ion batteries (LIB). Two types of MCMB samples with varying morphological properties were prepared by the heat treatment of coal tar. The resulting MCMB samples were graphitized at 2350οC and were tested for their electrochemical performance as an anode for LIBs. Both MCMB electrodes show high specific capacity and good cycling stability for over 60 cycles and high-rate capability. The porous nature of MCMB with spherical morphology provides large surface area and electrolyte percolation while the high conductivity originating from highly graphitized structure could facilitate good electron transport throughout the MCMB surface. Therefore, MCMB synthesized by this additive free synthesis approach can be used for the cost-effective development of high-performing MCMB based electrode for LIBs.