Thermopressure Coupling Effect Mimicking Natural Graphite Formation to Enhance the Storage K–Ion Performance of Carbonaceous Heterostructures

Borrowing from natural mechanisms for material design can lead to functional mimicry and improvement. Inspired by graphite formation, a thermopressure coupling strategy under micropressure (<400 Pa) is applied to prepare carbon anodes. A thermopressure response is discovered based on the cellulose precursor. Here, homologous graphene quantum dot/hard carbon (GQD/HC) heterostructures are synthesized. Under 181.4 Pa and 1,200 °C, the product shows a capacity of 310 mAh g(−1), while the capacity of the direct carbonization product is only 120 mAh g(−1). Prominently, the GQD/HC heterostructure displays marked mechanical strength and flexibility. The experimental and theoretical results illustrate the ion and electron transfer, coordination environment, and electronic states in the GQD/HC heterostructure and elaborate on the origin of the enhanced performance. The thermopressure coupling under micropressure mimics graphite formation, but the heterostructure has better properties than traditional carbon materials. Additionally, micropressure injects new vitality into material research.