Achieving Enhanced Sodium Storage Performance of Hard Carbon via Rational Modification of a Starch Precursor.

Chemical modification of starch hydroxyl groups plays a key role in modulating the microstructures and enhancing the electrochemical performance of the hard carbon (HC) anode in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, the regulation and design of advanced sodium storage structures are limited by their diverse and complex microstructures. Herein, diammonium phosphate (DAP) as a cross-linking agent for corn starch and modification of the physicochemical properties of the starch surface can effectively promote the regulation and balance between the pore structure and interlayer spacing of the constructed HC.