Monolithic Carbon-based Nanocomposites with Hierarchical Porosity: Novel Anode Materials for Li Ion Batteries

This study compares the effects of meso- and macroporosity and the influence of nanocomposite structure on textural, electronic, and mechanical properties of monolithic carbon samples. Glassy carbon monoliths with three-dimensionally ordered macropores and walls containing mesopores (3DOM/m C) were synthesized by nanocasting from monolithic silica with hierarchical pore structure. Subsequent introduction of more graphitic, nitrogen-doped carbon into the mesopores by chemical vapor deposition produced a monolithic 3DOM/m carbon-graphitic carbon nanocomposite material (3DOM/m C/C). The materials were characterized in detail by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen- adsorption measurements, depth-sensing indentation, and electrochemical measurements.