Rapid microwave-assisted synthesis of nitrogen-functionalized hollow carbon spheres with high monodispersity

With a high surface area to volume ratio and good transport properties, hollow carbon spheres are one of the candidate materials for energy storage devices. Furthermore, highly capacitive and conductive hollow carbon spheres obtained through an effective synthesis route are in high demand for future commercialization. In this study, nitrogen-doped hollow carbon is synthesized utilizing microwave irradiation. 3-aminophenol is used as a carbon and nitrogen source, while the hollow structure is obtained using a polystyrene latex (PSL) template. The carbon shell thickness is easily adjusted by changing the mass ratio of 3-aminophenol to PSL, while control of the particles size is accomplished by changing the size of PSL particles. The steps in shell formation are explained based on the changes in the z-potential measured using a zetasizer. The synthesis duration was 50% shorter than that required by the common hydrothermal method, making this synthesis route promising for future development toward mass production. The high nitrogen content, primarily composed of pyridinic, pyrollic, and graphitic nitrogen, contribute to a volume-specific capacitance of 16.3 F cm (3). 93.1% of the total capacitance is maintained after 1600 charge-discharge cycles and the energy and power densities are superior to that of activated carbon. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.