One-pot synthesis of nitrogen-sulfur-co-doped carbons with tunable composition using a simple isothiocyanate ionic liquid

The commercially available ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium thiocyanate (Emim-scn) is used as a highly efficient precursor for the synthesis of nitrogen-sulfur-co-doped carbons. Mixtures with the ILs 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium dicyanamide (Emim-dca) and 1-butyl-3-methyl-pyridinium dicyanamide (Bmp-dca) enable tuning of the sulfur-content while the nitrogen incorporation is not hindered as such. The whole procedure is compatible with the salt templating process, enabling the synthesis of heterofunctional carbons with ultrahigh surface areas.