Capacitor performance of MgO-templated carbons synthesized using hydrothermally treated MgO particles

Plate-like magnesium oxides were prepared by hydrothermal treatment of MgO particles and subsequent annealing under air. The porous carbons were formed by mixing the MgO particles with poly (vinyl alcohol) and carbonizing at 1000 degrees C, followed by removal of the MgO in an acid solution. Use of hydrothermally treated MgO particles increased the surface area and pore volume of the resulting porous carbons. The porous carbons were evaluated as electrode materials in an electric double-layer capacitor with an organic electrolyte. A comparison with commercial MgO-templated mesoporous carbons and microporous activated carbons showed that a well-balanced ratio of micropore volume to mesopore volume in the carbons is the key for realizing high volumetric capacitance as well as good rate performance. The prepared porous carbons retained 93% of the initial capacitance after 10000 cycles.

Automated summary

This study utilized hydrothermally treated MgO particles to prepare porous carbons, and evaluation of the electrode materials in electric double-layer capacitors showed that the balanced ratio of micropore volume to mesopore volume in the carbons is crucial for achieving high volumetric capacitance and good rate performance. The prepared porous carbons retained 93% of the initial capacitance after 10000 cycles, indicating their potential for long-term stability and application in energy storage devices.