Impact of the Stable Solid–Electrolyte Interphase in Sustainable and High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have drawn significant attention in the electric vehicle industry, and activated carbon‐based anodes are widely recognized as a cost‐effective alternative to conventional anode materials. However, the application of these anode materials is significantly limited by the formation of an unstable solid–electrolyte interface (SEI). This study introduces nutmeg shell waste‐derived activated carbon (ACNM) as a viable anode material for LIBs with a particular focus on the role of SEI in determining their electrochemical behavior and battery performance. The hierarchical pore structure in ACNM is achieved through systematic optimization of synthesis parameters, ensuring a balance between surface area and the stability of the SEI. The combination of micropores and mesopores in ACNM effectively minimizes extensive SEI formation and associated capacity loss. The potential of ACNM for LIB anode applications is validated by fabricating anode half cells that exhibit a maximum specific capacity of 610 mAh g −1 . The half cells also show good cycling performance with significant rate capability. Using scanning electrochemical microscopy, the local electrochemical activity and formation of the SEI layer are investigated. This study highlights the suitability of ACNM for anode applications in LIBs and the importance of SEI engineering for next‐generation LIBs.