Polymer-templated mesoporous carbons synthesized in the presence of nickel nanoparticles, nickel oxide nanoparticles, and nickel nitrate

► Ni-containing carbons were obtained by soft-templating using various Ni precursors. ► Synthesis was performed in the presence of Ni and NiO nanoparticles and Ni(NO3)2. ► Additional advantage of incorporating Ni is partial graphitization of carbon. ► Post-synthesis impregnation with Ni(NO3)2 gave mesoporous carbons with NiO.