Phenolic-based carbon nanofiber webs prepared by electrospinning for supercapacitors

Phenolic-based carbon nanofiber webs (PCNFWs) were prepared by electrospinning resole-type phenolic resin/PVA blend solution, followed by curing and carbonization. The PCNFWs presented rich micropores and a BET surface area of 416 m2/g without any activation process. The electrochemical properties of the PCNFWs were investigated in two- or three-electrode cell. In spite of moderate surface area, the PCNFWs showed excellent capacitance performance. The specific capacitance was up to 171 F/g at 5 mV/s and remained 84% at 100 mV/s. The excellent electrochemical performance was further confirmed through comparison with commercial activated carbon cloth (1201 m2/g). The encouraging results showed the potential of the PCNFWs as supercapacitor electrode material.

► Phenolic-based carbon nanofiber webs prepared by electrospinning for supercapacitors. ► Resole-type phenolic resin was first used to fabricate carbon nanofiber webs. ► With SBET of 416 m2/g, the PCNFWs present specific capacitance of 171 F/g. ► With lower surface area than ACC, the PCNFWs show higher capacitance performance.