Effects of surface modification on the electrochemical performance of pyrolyzed sugar carbons as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

The surface of pyrolyzed sugar carbons (PSCs) was treated with H2O2, HNO3, or H2SO4 reagents. Surface modification of these materials improved their electrode performance. FTIR, Raman, 13C NMR, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize structures of the treated and untreated carbons. The charge/discharge capacity, potential profile, and irreversible capacity loss have been investigated. The correlations between cell capacities, H/C ratios, and Raman vibrational modes are discussed.