Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Pitch-derived carbon materials are promising for alkali metal-ion batteries and supercapacitors due to their high carbon content and low cost. • Direct pyrolysis of pitch often yields highly oriented microstructures with small interlayer spacing, leading to poor electrochemical performance. • Microstructural engineering strategies, such as template methods and heteroatom doping, can significantly enhance the electrochemical properties of pitch-derived carbons. • Future research should focus on scalable production, waste pitch recycling, and further optimization of carbon microstructures for specific energy storage applications.
Abstract
Pitch is a complex mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their non-metal derivatives that has a high carbon content. Using pitch as a precursor for carbon materials in alkali metal ion (Li+/Na+/K+) batteries has become of great interest. However, its direct pyrolysis often leads to microstructures with a high orientation and small interlayer spacing due to uncontrolled liquid-phase carbonization, resulting in subpar electrochemical performance. It is therefore important to control the microstructures of pitch-derived carbon materials in order to improve their electrochemical properties. We evaluate the latest progress in the development of these materials using various microstructural engineering approaches, highlighting their use in metal-ion batteries and supercapacitors. The advantages and limitations of pitch molecules and their carbon derivatives are outlined, together with strategies for their modification in order to improve their properties for specific applications. Future research possibilities for structure optimization, scalable production, and waste pitch recycling are also considered.
1. Introduction
The rapid advancement of electrochemical energy storage technologies has propelled metal-ion batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), and potassium-ion batteries (KIBs)[1–2] and supercapacitors[3–4] to the forefront of high-efficiency energy storage research. These technologies have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional performance and broad application prospects. However, as the industry expands at an unprecedented pace, the performance requirements for electrode materials have become increasingly stringent. This has led to an intensified search for novel electrode materials that are both economical and safe, in order to facilitate the practical application of metal-ion batteries and supercapacitors.
Electrode materials are the core components of metal-ion batteries and supercapacitors, and their large-scale production is accelerating in tandem with the continuous development of electrochemical energy storage technologies[5–6]. In this context, storability, cost, and availability have emerged as the most critical factors when selecting precursors for electrode materials. Carbon materials have risen to prominence as the preferred materials for energy storage system electrodes due to their abundant reserves, low cost and environmental friendliness. These materials not only possess excellent chemical stability, enabling them to withstand the harsh conditions of repeated charge-discharge cycles and thereby ensuring their durability and reliability, but also offer higher safety and minimal environmental harm. These characteristics make them particularly suitable for large-scale energy storage applications. Consequently, the search for cost-effective carbon resources and the development of methods for preparing carbon materials with superior energy storage performance have become urgent priorities[7–8].
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MENG Chao, ZHANG Yan, WANG Ning, ZHENG Xue-qing, KONG De-yu, HU Han, WU Ming-bo (2025). Microstructure modulation strategies from pitch molecules to derived carbon materials for electrochemical energy storage. SinoTechIntel Verified Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1872-5805(NCM2025-4-3)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is pitch and why is it used as a precursor for carbon materials?
Pitch is a complex mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their non-metal derivatives with a high carbon content. It is used as a precursor for carbon materials because it is abundant, low-cost, and can be converted into carbon with high yield, making it attractive for electrochemical energy storage applications.
What are the main challenges in using pitch-derived carbon materials for batteries?
Direct pyrolysis of pitch often leads to microstructures with high orientation and small interlayer spacing due to uncontrolled liquid-phase carbonization, which results in subpar electrochemical performance. Controlling the microstructure is essential to improve properties such as ion diffusion and charge storage.
What strategies are used to modulate the microstructure of pitch-derived carbons?
Strategies include template methods, heteroatom doping, activation, and controlled pyrolysis conditions. These approaches help create desirable pore structures, increase interlayer spacing, and introduce active sites, thereby enhancing electrochemical performance.
In which energy storage devices are pitch-derived carbon materials used?
They are used in alkali metal-ion batteries (lithium, sodium, potassium) and supercapacitors, where they serve as electrode materials due to their high conductivity, chemical stability, and tunable microstructure.
What are the future research directions for pitch-derived carbon materials?
Future research focuses on structure optimization, scalable production methods, and recycling of waste pitch to make the process more sustainable and economically viable.
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