Abstract
Carbon fiber (CF) and mesocarbon microbead (MCMB) precursors were heat treated at 700 degrees to 2800 degrees C, and the electrochemical and physical properties of the carbons were investigated. These carbons are quite different from natural graphite, which has a well-ordered layer planes where intercalation occur and two distinct surface sites, i.e., basal and edge plane sites. In the case of the fibres, intercalation occur by a single plane (circular area) or by two planes, the circular area and the cylindrical edge. For mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB), because of its sphere-like structure, this type of carbon is able to intercalate lithium ions more uniformly (i.e., 360 degrees). The effect of additives (B, Ag, Sn) in the two carbon samples (CF and MCMB) on the electrochemical performance was also investigated.