Structure and electrochemical properties of resorcinol–formaldehyde polymer-based carbon for electric double-layer capacitors

A nano-porous carbon was prepared by carbonization of a novel synthetic resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) polymer without any additional activation process, and used as electrode materials for aqueous electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). This novel RF polymer-based carbon shows high specific surface area with large carbonization yield (∼50%), and excellent specific dc capacitance over 200 F/g. The effect of R/CA ratio (i.e. molar ratio of resorcinol to curing agent) on the specific surface area, pore size distribution, nanostructure and electrochemical capacitance was studied, respectively. The results showed that a higher R/CA ratio yielded carbon with higher specific surface area, larger specific capacitance, and broader pore size distribution. The highest specific surface area of 825 m2/g and specific capacitance exceeding 200 F/g were found to occur at R/CA ratio of 50. The electrochemical behaviors were characterized by means of galvanostatic charging/discharging, cycle voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. The correlation between electrochemical properties and pore structure was investigated. Due to the excellent capacitance properties, low cost and simple process, this RF polymer-derived carbon would be a promising material for EDLCs applications.