Electrochemical charge storage performance of in-situ etched carbonized ZIF-8 aerogels

Light-weight, porous carbon-based aerogels are one of the widely investigated materials for energy applications. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterizations of a carbonized aerogel prepared from zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) particles and polymer agar. Noticeably, the agar matrix not only allows a uniform dispersion of the ZIF-8 but also initiates the formation of hollow ZIF-8 via partial etching of its core. The distinct welldistributed hollow ZIF-8 imparts high porosity, excellent surface area (1206 m2 g-1) and predominant amorphous phase to the carbonized aerogel framework. The estimated maximum specific capacitance (124.86 F g-1 at 0.25 A g-1) obtained with the carbonized ZIF-8 aerogel is mainly attributed to the hollow ZIF-8 particles with reduced Zn-content and KOH activation.

Automated summary

Light-weight, porous carbon-based aerogels synthesized from zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) particles and polymer agar are reported. The agar matrix allows for uniform dispersion of ZIF-8 and initiates the formation of hollow ZIF-8 particles. The resulting carbonized aerogel framework exhibits high porosity, excellent surface area, and predominantly amorphous phase due to the well-distributed hollow ZIF-8. The carbonized ZIF-8 aerogel shows a maximum specific capacitance of 124.86 F g-1 at 0.25 A g-1, attributed to the hollow ZIF-8 particles with reduced Zn-content and KOH activation.