One-step construction of hierarchically porous carbon nanorods with extraordinary capacitive behavior

The construction of hierarchically porous carbon nanorods (HPCNs) is realized via the one-step template-directing coupled with the activation methodology. The heteroatom (S and N) incorporation into the carbon skeleton is also realized during the preparation process because of the enrichment of S and N-containing organic compounds in the pitch precursor. The optimization of pore size distribution and specific surface area is performed by controlling the mass ratio of raw materials. The contributions of chemical activation and template-directing are mainly dedicated to generating the micropore and mesopore channels, respectively. Compared to the traditional chemical activation process, the employment of the amount of active agent in this work is reduced dramatically. Benefiting from the robust microarchitecture associated with hierarchical pore channels, HPCNs deliver the much enhanced capacitive behavior than the commercial activated carbon and counterparts derived from the pure template-directing and chemical activation methods, respectively. The great compatibility of gravimetric and areal capacitances can be simultaneously guaranteed even when the areal mass loading of the electrode is as high as 10 mg cm(-2). Besides, the high-efficient conversion of pitch into the capacitive electrode material is also a new route for the high value-added utilization of pitch. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.