Graphite has long been the dominant anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its stability and cost-effectiveness. However, its low theoretical specific capacity (372 mAh·g⁻¹) and limitation to a LiC₆ stoichiometry constrain the energy density of current LIBs. Additionally, graphite anodes suffer from volumetric expansion during cycling, electrolyte decomposition at low voltages, and lithium plating, all of which impact performance and safety. While lithium metal offers a significantly higher capacity (3860 mAh·g⁻¹) and the most negative electrochemical potential (-3.04 V), its application is hindered by dendrite formation, low Coulombic efficiency, and high reactivity with electrolytes. This study investigates poly(para-phenylene) (PPP)-derived disordered carbon as a high-capacity alternative for LIB anodes. PPP, a rigid-rod aromatic polymer, possesses a high theoretical lithium storage capacity but has historically been difficult to process. Recent advances in enzymatic polymerization have enabled the synthesis of a processable precursor (pre-PPP), which can be fabricated into films and subsequently aromatized to form PPP. Electrochemical techniques, including cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, are employed to evaluate the lithium storage capacity, cycling performance, and charge-transfer resistance of PPP-based anodes. Combining high lithium storage potential with a tunable structure, PPP-derived carbon offers a promising pathway to overcome the limitations of graphite while avoiding the stability issues of lithium metal. This work contributes to the development of next-generation LIBs with enhanced capacity, improved energy density, and greater long-term stability.
