Coal tar pitch-based porous carbon by one dimensional nano-sized MgO template

Porous carbons are derived by carbonizing coal tar pitch with one dimension non-silica template (needle-like nano-sized MgO). The samples are characterized by nitrogen adsorption at 77 K and XRD analysis. The electrochemical performances for supercapacitor are evaluated in a 6 M KOH aqueous solution. The results show that the as-prepared porous carbons possess abundant mesopores of 3.7–6.5 nm. With air stabilization process, the samples possess more micropores, contributing nearly 50% of surface areas. The porous carbon with large template content through air stabilization possess a high surface area of 864 m2 g−1. For supercapacitors electrode material, the porous carbon shows a high capacity and excellent power performance, retaining 100 F g−1 even at a current density of 30 A g−1.

► One dimension non-silica template (MgO derived from needle-like nano-sized Mg(OH)2) is used to control carbon pore structures. ► Resultant porous carbon haunted abundant mesopores of 3.7–6.5 nm with fine pore-size distribution and cylindrical pore geometry. ► Macromolecule precursors, coal tar pitch, was used in our template method without activation. ► The porous carbon showed high capacity and excellent power performance for supercapacitors electrode.