Improvement of electric double-layer capacitance of ordered mesoporous carbon CMK-3 by partial graphitization using metal oxide catalysts

We have attempted to improve the electric double-layer capacitance of the ordered mesoporous carbon CMK-3 as a replica of mesoporous silica SBA-15, by partial graphitization during carbonization at 1000 degrees C with the aid of an Fe oxide catalyst. For a loading of 0.2 mmol Fe per 1 g of SiO2, CMK-3 consisting of partially graphitized carboneous rods with a 2d-hexagonally ordered structure was successfully obtained and showed a higher specific capacitance of 6.8 mu F cm(-2) in the electric double-layer capacitance measurement using Et4NBF4 as an electrolyte, compared to 4.1 mu F cm(-2) for conventional CMK-3. This was probably due to exposure of the edge planes of the graphitic domains on the surface of the carboneous rods, increasing the number of sites highly capable of adsorbing the electrolytes. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.