Tofu-derived carbon framework with embedded ultrasmall tin nanocrystals for high-performance energy storage devices

Carbon materials as intra-electrode frameworks for energy storage devices have received noticeable attention due to their high porosity, high electrical conductivity, and excellent chemical and physical stability. Nevertheless, the utilisation of these frameworks still faces significant challenges such as limited raw material resources, complicated synthetic process, high-temperature synthesis, and high production costs. Herein, we report a unique and facile approach to synthesise a spoilt tofu-derived carbon framework with embedded ultrasmall Sn nanocrystals (SCS) derived from food waste (such as spoilt tofu) using simple impregnation and carbonisation. The unique architecture of SCS was due to the porous structure of spoilt tofu and was utilised as an anode for Li-ion batteries. The optimised SCS architecture shows excellent electrochemical performance with outstanding cycling stability (621 mA h g⁻¹ capacity retention up to 100 cycles) and excellent high-rate performance (250 mA h g⁻¹ at 2000 mA g⁻¹). Thus, this facile approach provides helpful synergistic effects in terms of structural stability, electrochemical active surface area, and shorter diffusion pathways for Li ions. Consequently, the recycling strategy of spoilt tofu food waste could provide a unique route to low-cost production of high-performance Li-ion batteries.