LAUSR

Novel three-dimensional porous carbon network (3D-PC) anode was developed by a facile in situ NaCl-template method utilizing citric acid as carbon source. The synthesis process involves the dissolution of NaCl and citric acid in deionized water, citric acid coated on NaCl template during freeze-drying process, carbonization of the composites, and removal of the template with water. The resultant 3D-PC presents high electrical conductivity, large specific surface area, sufficient active sites, large interlayer distance, and high mechanical flexibility, which are contributed to the efficient Na-storage. Therefore, the 3D-PC anode displays enhanced rate performance of 101 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 and extremely long cycle life of 138 mAh g−1 after 2000 cycles at 200 mA g−1. The unique synthesis strategy coupled with the excellent Na-storage performance ensures 3D-PC a promising anode material for low-cost sodium-ion batteries.