Synthesis and electrochemical properties of carbon microtubes by a simple in situ template method

Carbon microtubes (CMTs) with large inner spacing were prepared by a simple in situ template approach under moderate conditions, in which metallic Zn powder and ethanol were used as raw material. The morphology and microstructure of the CMTs were characterized by SEM, TEM, HRTEM, XRD, and Raman spectrum. The as-obtained CMTs have a homogenous morphology with an internal diameter of about 1 μm, a wall thickness of 30 nm and several microns in length. The electrochemical performance of CMTs was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements. Experimental results show that the CMT material presented a high specific capacitance of 185 F g−1 at current density of 200 mA g−1. The better capacitive behavior of the CMTs demonstrates a promising electrode material for electrochemical supercapacitors.

► Carbon microtubes (CMTs) were synthesized by a simple in situ template method.
► Metallic Zn powder and ethanol were used as raw material for CMT synthesis.
► The as-obtained CMTs present a high specific capacitance of 185 F g−1 at current density of 200 mA g-1.
► This work may provide an alternative to synthesize high-purity CMTs with large inner spacing and better electrochemical performance for supercapacitor.