Activated Lignin Based Carbon Nanofibers as Binder-free Anodes for Lithium ion Batteries

In this study, activated carbon nanofibers were obtained from lignin/PVA blend. KOH was used as activating agent using two approaches. Scanning Electron Microscope and Raman spectroscopy were used for characterization of the morphology and structure of carbon nanofibers, while BET analysis was used to investigate their surface area and pore size distribution. Activated carbon nanofibers were used as free-standing anodes in a half cell Li-ion battery and their charge/discharge behavior was tested at different current densities. The results showed that the activated carbon nanofibers can increase the capacity and keep it stable.