Biomass Waste Utilization as Nanocomposite Anodes through Conductive Polymers Strengthened SiO2/C from Streblus asper Leaves for Sustainable Energy Storages

Abstract

Sustainable anode materials, including natural silica and biomass-derived carbon materials, are gaining increasing attention in emerging energy storage applications. In this research, we highlighted a silica/carbon (SiO2/C) derived from Streblus asper leaf wastes using a simple method. Dried Streblus asper leaves, which have plenty of biomass in Thailand, have a unique leaf texture due to their high SiO2 content. We can convert these worthless leaves into SiO2/C nanocomposites in one step, producing eco-materials with distinctive microstructures that influence electrochemical energy storage performance. Through nanostructured design, SiO2/C is thoroughly covered by a well-connected framework of conductive hybrid polymers based on the sodium alginate–polypyrrole (SA-PPy) network, exhibiting impressive morphology and performance. In addition, an excellent electrically conductive SA-PPy network binds to the SiO2/C particle surface through crosslinker bonding, creating a flexible porous space that effectively facilitates the SiO2 large volume expansion. At a current density of 0.3 C, this synthesized SA-PPy@Nano-SiO2/C anode provides a high specific capacity of 756 mAh g−1 over 350 cycles, accounting for 99.7% of the theoretical specific capacity. At the high current of 1 C (758 mA g−1), a superior sustained cycle life of over 500 cycles was evidenced, with over 93% capacity retention. The research also highlighted the potential for this approach to be scaled up for commercial production, which could have a significant impact on the sustainability of the lithium-ion battery industry. Overall, the development of green nanocomposites along with polymers having a distinctive structure is an exciting area of research that has the potential to address some of the key challenges associated with lithium-ion batteries, such as capacity degradation and safety concerns, while also promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.