Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to methods for preparing carbon materials which can be used in battery electrodes. More specifically, embodiments relate to methods for preparing nano-ordered carbon products used as anode materials in metal-ion batteries, such as a sodium-ion battery. In some embodiments, a method includes fractioning an initial refinery hydrocarbon product during a fractionation process to produce a liquid refinery hydrocarbon product and a heavy refinery hydrocarbon product. The method includes exposing either or both refinery hydrocarbon products to a first functionalization agent to produce a first solid functionalized product during a first functionalization process and purifying the first solid functionalized product during a purification process. The method also includes exposing the first solid functionalized product to a second functionalization agent to produce a second solid functionalized product during a second functionalization process and carbonizing the second solid functionalized product to produce the nano-ordered carbon product during a carbonization process.

An electrode binder for a lithium secondary battery, and an electrode and a lithium secondary battery, including the electrode binder. The electrode binder includes: a cellulose-based graft copolymer grafted with a compound having an ion-hopping site; and a polyacrylate-based polymer having an anionic group via an exchange with a cation. By including the electrode binder in at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, it is possible to provide a lithium secondary battery capable of enhancing fast charging/discharging behavior efficiency of the electrode by reducing electrode resistance generated inside the electrode during charging/discharging.

A natural graphite-based modified composite material, a preparation method therefor, and a lithium ion battery comprising the modified composite material. The natural graphite-based modified composite material comprises natural graphite and non-graphitized carbon coated on the inner and outer surfaces of the natural graphite. The preparation method comprises: (1) subjecting spherical natural graphite to isotropic treatment; (2) performing granularity control and shaping treatment; (3) subjecting the inner surface and the outer surface of the material obtained in step (2) to simultaneous modification; and (4) performing carbonization, so as to obtain a natural graphite-based modified composite material.

A natural graphite-based modified composite material, a preparation method therefor, and a lithium ion battery comprising the modified composite material. The natural graphite-based modified composite material comprises natural graphite and non-graphitized carbon coated on the inner and outer surfaces of the natural graphite. The preparation method comprises: (1) subjecting spherical natural graphite to isotropic treatment; (2) performing granularity control and shaping treatment; (3) subjecting the inner surface and the outer surface of the material obtained in step (2) to simultaneous modification; and (4) performing carbonization, so as to obtain a natural graphite-based modified composite material.

An electrode for batteries that does not include a metal-film-type current collector is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the electrode comprises a composite having a core-shell structure including a core having an electrode active material, and a metal material coated on or doped in the surface of the core. A secondary battery having the electrode has increased capacity and energy density and exhibits improved lifespan characteristics.

A lithium ion battery is provided that includes: a positive electrode; a negative electrode; a separator comprising a material having a melt temperature of greater than 150° C.; and an electrolyte including an organic solvent and a lithium salt. A method for sterilizing a lithium ion battery is also provided that includes: providing a lithium ion battery (particularly one as described herein); either charging or discharging the battery to a state of charge (SOC) of 20% to 100%; and steam sterilizing the battery to form a sterilized lithium ion battery.

A lithium ion battery is provided that includes: a positive electrode; a negative electrode; a separator comprising a material having a melt temperature of greater than 150° C.; and an electrolyte including an organic solvent and a lithium salt. A method for sterilizing a lithium ion battery is also provided that includes: providing a lithium ion battery (particularly one as described herein); either charging or discharging the battery to a state of charge (SOC) of 20% to 100%; and steam sterilizing the battery to form a sterilized lithium ion battery.

A lithium-ion battery includes: 1) an anode; 2) a cathode; and 3) an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode and including lithium ions. The anode includes a graphene framework film including interconnected graphene sheets, and the graphene framework film has a specific surface area of 600 m.sup.2 g.sup.−1 or more.

A lithium-ion battery includes: 1) an anode; 2) a cathode; and 3) an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode and including lithium ions. The anode includes a graphene framework film including interconnected graphene sheets, and the graphene framework film has a specific surface area of 600 m.sup.2 g.sup.−1 or more.

A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a carbon-based active material including highly crystalline natural graphite and artificial graphite. The carbon-based active material has a peak intensity ratio (P2/P4) of about 0.3 to about 0.4, wherein P2 refers to the 101 peak of a rhombohedral crystal grain and P4 refers to the 101 peak of a hexagonal crystal grain, as measured by X-ray diffraction.