Preparation methods and challenges of carbon materials from coal tar pitch for energy storage

Abstract

Coal tar pitch (CTP) is an important chemical by-product from coking processing of coal, containing polycyclic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives, which can be often used to build and repair roads. To improve its high-valued utilization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in CTP, researchers have adopted many methods to prepare carbon materials which are resulted from the superb surface area, fantabulous electron conductivity, splendid physiochemical stability and wide applications. Herein, the source and properties of CTP are described firstly. Then, the preparation method, advantages and mechanism of carbon materials from CTP are described in detail. Secondly, the applications of carbon materials derived from CTP in supercapacitors, lithium ion batteries, sodium ion batteries, potassium ion batteries and hybrid capacitors are elaborated. Finally, the major challenges, perspectives and practical strategies for both fundamental studies and applications of carbon materials from CTP have been identified. This review may provide a point on the interaction among the preparation method, structure and properties of carbon materials from CTP.