Pb/(Ni@RC) composite derived from rice for lead carbon batteries: Excellent conductivity, mass transfer, and reactivity

Enhancing electron/ion transfer and suppressing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) represent key objectives in the quest for carbonaceous additives in lead carbon batteries. In this study, we synthesize a porous cellular carbon structure comprising cross-linked nano carbon sheets through a straightforward process involving the expansion and carbonization of rice. Furthermore, by leveraging the distinct reactions of metal oxides and carbon at elevated temperatures, we achieve the simultaneous uniform in-situ loading and embedding of Pb/Ni bimetallic nanoparticles in Pb/(Ni@RC). The etching and embedding of Ni nanoparticles result in remarkable conductivity and the development of an open pore structure. Meanwhile, the incorporation of Pb nanoparticles ensures a low HER rate and a favorable affinity for the anode active material. This positive synergistic mechanism endows Pb/(Ni@RC) with abundant redox-active sites, and mitigates the performance degradation caused by water loss and the disruption of the lead carbon binary phase. Notably, the designed anode demonstrates a high reversible capacity (170 mA h g−1), an exceptionally long cycle life (16830 cycles) under high rate partial state of charge conditions, and an enhanced capacity retention rate (85 %) during partial state of charge operation. [Display omitted] •A synthesis strategy for porous cellular carbon is proposed.•Uniform loading and embedding of Pb/Ni bimetallic nanoparticles are achieved.•Pb/(Ni@RC) has unparalleled electron/ion transfer rate.•Pb/(Ni@RC) has good lead affinity and low hydrogen evolution rate.•The capacity and cycle stability of lead carbon anode are significantly improved.