Indanthrone derived disordered graphitic carbon as promising insertion anode for sodium ion battery with long cycle life

We report facile, one step synthesis of disordered graphitic carbon by high temperature (1000 °C) pyrolysis of indanthrone dye (ID). The pyrolysed carbon is disordered in nature and the same is clearly evidenced by various analytical techniques like X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Na-insertion properties of such indanthrone dye derived disordered graphitic carbon (IDDGC) is evaluated in half-cell assembly (Na/IDDGC). The test cell delivered a reversible capacity of ∼160 mAh g^-1 at current density of 25 mA g^-1. In addition, excellent cycling profiles are noted for such IDDGC, which retains ∼67% of initial reversible capacity after 500 cycles. The present study clearly highlights the importance of disorder in the graphitic carbon for efficient Na-ion storage.