Anode performance of NaOH-etched mesocarbon microbeads for sodium-ion batteries

Abstract NaOH-etched mesocarbon microbeads (MCMBs) are prepared by carbonizing a mixture of green MCMBs and NaOH at 650 °C, and are used as the anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Comparing with pristine MCMBs, NaOH-etched MCMBs have more surface fissures, more bigger pores with a mean diameter of ~5.0 nm, and graphite-like crystallites with wider interlayer space (356 pm). The etched MCMBs anode displays better rate capability and cyclability. It keeps a capacity of >218 mAh g−1 at a current of 15 mA g−1 with a coulombic efficiency of >97% during 60 cycles. We consider that the etched MCMBs’ structure facilitate the sodium transfer and make them being potential as the anode material for SIBs.