Enhancing the rate performance of graphite anodes through addition of natural graphite/carbon nanofibers in lithium-ion batteries

[Display omitted] ► Internal pores of graphite increased the rate property of anode in Li-ion battery. ► Added NG/CNFs into graphite successfully increased the internal pores. ► Introduced internal pores suppressed the anodic volume change in charge–discharge. Mesophase pitch-derived synthetic graphite was hybridized with natural graphite/carbon nanofiber (NG/CNF) composites prepared by mechanical mixing, carbonization, and graphitization processes. Addition of the NG/CNF composites introduced effective internal pores inside the synthetic graphite matrix, thereby improving the rate performance, 1st cycle coulombic efficiency, and cyclability. Hybridized graphite with 10wt% of added NG/CNF composite exhibited the best rate performance, with a discharge capacity retention rate of over 90% after a 5C discharge test.