A robust strategy of solvent choice to synthesize optimal nanostructured carbon for efficient energy storage

Despite great advances in carbon synthesis through solution chemistry, a long-standing question is how to choose solvents effectively. Herein, we establish a systematical strategy to answer this question, guided by both the difference of total Hansen solubility parameter and the relative energy difference between the solvent and the precursor. This approach can quickly and accurately screen out the excellent solvent or solvent mixture from a lot of possible candidates including single, binary and multicomponent systems to synthesize carbon materials with optimal nanostructure and high surface area. We further find it is convenient to get a series of excellent solvents by mixing different grades of solvents (poor, fair, and good). This finding gives more opportunities for solvent choice to fabricate well-designed carbons, and also provides an economic and eco-friendly synthetic route by selecting cheap, low-or non-toxic solvents. The robust strategy, which has been applied to different carbon precursors, has already succeeded as a proof of concept. As-synthesized carbons feature sphere-like superstructure and high surface area, delivering fast electrochemical kinetics, ultrahigh energy density and excellent high-rate lifespan in energy storage applications. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study establishes a systematic strategy to select solvents effectively for carbon synthesis, based on Hansen solubility parameter and energy difference. By mixing different grades of solvents, a range of excellent solvents can be obtained for well-designed carbons. The as-synthesized carbons exhibit sphere-like superstructure and high surface area, showing fast electrochemical kinetics and high energy density in energy storage applications.