Carbon-Coated Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Technology

The core innovation is a nanocomposite comprising:

• Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) - the base electrode material. 
  
• Conductive carbon coating - derived from low-cost carbonaceous sources like asphalt. 
  

The coating improves electron mobility and reduces sodium-ion diffusion barriers. The method involves forming a slurry of nitrogenous and carbonaceous compounds, drying and grinding the mixture, and then carbonizing it at 600°C in an inert atmosphere.

Background

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) is a two-dimensional, low-cost, and chemically stable material with promise as an anode for sodium-ion batteries (NIBs), a lower-cost alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, its poor conductivity and limited sodium storage have hindered commercial applications. This invention, developed by researchers at New York University, addresses these limitations by coating g-C₃N₄ with a conductive carbon layer derived from asphalt, significantly enhancing its electrochemical performance 

Applications

• Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs): Especially suited for grid-scale energy storage and electric vehicles (EVs), where low-cost and abundant materials are advantageous. 
  
• Next-gen anode materials: Applicable in full and half-cell configurations for rechargeable battery technologies. 
  
• Sustainable energy solutions: Could replace LIBs in markets where lithium availability and cost are limiting factors. 
  

Advantages

• Enhanced performance: Delivers up to 254 mAh/g capacity—more than double that of unmodified g-C₃N₄. 
  
• Long cycle life: Demonstrates stable performance over 12,000 cycles at high Coulombic efficiency (~99.8%). 
  
• Cost-effective materials: Uses inexpensive, scalable inputs like urea and asphalt. 
  
• Improved ion mobility: Reduced sodium-ion diffusion barriers via carbon coating. 
  
• Environmentally sustainable: Utilizes non-toxic and recyclable components, aligning with green energy goals.