Enhanced Potassium-Ion Storage of the 3D Carbon Superstructure by Manipulating the Nitrogen-Doped Species and Morphology

Highlights An eco-efficient synthetic route was developed to establish carbon superstructures with enhanced exposed nitrogen-rich active facets. The synergistic effect of the 3D interconnected superstructures and the high nitrogen-doping content endows the N-rich carbon superstructures (NCS-5) with not only increased potassium-ion storage capabilities but also superior rate and cycling performance. The regulation of the nitrogen doping types and morphology of NCS-5 is also discussed in detail based on the experiment results and density functional theory calculations. Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) are attractive for grid-scale energy storage due to the abundant potassium resource and high energy density. The key to achieving high-performance and large-scale energy storage technology lies in seeking eco-efficient synthetic processes to the design of suitable anode materials. Herein, a spherical sponge-like carbon superstructure (NCS) assembled by 2D nanosheets is rationally and efficiently designed for K + storage. The optimized NCS electrode exhibits an outstanding rate capability, high reversible specific capacity (250 mAh g −1 at 200 mA g −1 after 300 cycles), and promising cycling performance (205 mAh g −1 at 1000 mA g −1 after 2000 cycles). The superior performance can be attributed to the unique robust spherical structure and 3D electrical transfer network together with nitrogen-rich nanosheets. Moreover, the regulation of the nitrogen doping types and morphology of NCS-5 is also discussed in detail based on the experiments results and density functional theory calculations. This strategy for manipulating the structure and properties of 3D materials is expected to meet the grand challenges for advanced carbon materials as high-performance PIB anodes in practical applications.