Biomass-Derived Carbon Utilization for Electrochemical Energy Enhancement in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Cathodes made of LiFePO₄ (LFP) offer numerous benefits including being non-toxic, eco-friendly, and affordable. The distinctive olivine structure of LFP cathodes contributes to their electrochemical stability. Nonetheless, this structure is also the cause of their low ionic and electronic conductivity. To enhance these limitations, an uncomplicated approach has been effectively employed. A straightforward solid-state synthesis technique is used to apply a coating of biomass from potato peels to the LFP cathode, boosting its electrochemical capabilities. Potato peels contain pyridinic and pyrrolic nitrogen, which are conducive to ionic and electronic movement and facilitate pathways for lithium-ion and electron transfer, thus elevating electrochemical performance. When coated with nitrogen-doped carbon derived from potato peel biomass (PPNC@LFP), the LFP cathode demonstrates an improved discharge capacity of 150.39 mAh g⁻¹ at a 0.1 C-rate and 112.83 mAh g⁻¹ at a 1.0 C-rate, in contrast to the uncoated LFP which shows capacities of 141.34 mAh g⁻¹ and 97.72 mAh g⁻¹ at the same rates, respectively.