In-situ synthesis of novel nanostructured Pb@C composites for improving the performance of lead-acid batteries under high-rate partial-state-of-charge operation

•The Pb@C nanocomposites are prepared in-situ by calcining lead acetate impregnated glucose gel at nitrogen atmosphere.•The Pb@C nanocomposites enhance the affinity of lead-carbon materials with negative active materials.•The negative plate with Pb@C materials has lower polarizability.•The addition of Pb@C nanocomposites in the lead-acid battery could improve the specific capacity and prolong the cycle life under HRPSoC.