Self-template synthesis of nitrogen-doped porous carbon derived from zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 as an anode for sodium ion batteries

Nitrogen-doped porous carbon (NPC) was successfully synthesized with zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) as the precursor at a high carbonization temperature of 950 °C, which can generate relatively pure NPC. When used as the anode materials for sodium ion batteries, the NPC exhibits an excellent rate capability and cycling stability, delivering a reversible capacity of 144.7 mA h g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 after 200 cycles and a capacity of 117.6 mA h g−1 at a high current density of 400 mA g−1, which is attributed to the existence of mesoporous structure and the introduction of nitrogen atoms. The electrochemical results indicate the NPC is a promising electrode material for sodium ion batteries.