From waste to power: utilizing barley husk as a sustainable anode active material alternative to graphite in lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Barley husks (BH), an agricultural by-product rich in carbon and silica, have been utilized as a sustainable precursor for synthesizing carbon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). A comparative analysis with graphite, the conventional anode material, demonstrates the potential of BH-derived carbon as a viable alternative. Material characterization techniques confirmed the formation of a hard carbon structure with a porous morphology, enhanced by the silica content, which contributes to structural stability and performance. The BH-derived anode exhibited a specific capacity of 380 mA h g⁻¹ at C/5, surpassing that of graphite with improved cycling stability and rate capability. BH represent a sustainable and promising alternative for next-generation energy storage technologies, with improved performance and eco-friendly potential.