Reversible lithium insertion in catalytically graphitized sugar carbon

A highly ordered graphite was derived from the low temperature (1200 °C) graphitization of sugar carbon using an iron catalyst. This graphite has electrochemical performance that is similar to artificial graphites made at temperatures over 2500 °C, although its irreversible capacity is somewhat higher. Graphite made by the catalyzed pyrolysis of low cost and renewable plant derived precursors represents a new avenue for research in the development of high performance negative electrodes for Li-ion batteries.