Synthesis and electrochemical performance of well-balanced mesopore/micropore contained carbons by activation-free method

Well-balanced meso- and micropore contained porous carbons were prepared with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)/poly(vinylidene chloride-co-acrylonitrile-co-methacrylate) (PVCAM) by activation-free method. The effect of mesoporous MWNTs as an electrical additive on the electrochemical performance of microporous carbons was investigated. After carbonization, the specific surface area (463 m2/g) of MWNTs-loaded microporous carbons (P-MWNTs) was lower than that (627 m2/g) of the microporous carbons (P-MCs) prepared with PVCAM alone. However, the specific capacitance (252 F/g) of P-MWNTs was higher than that (211 F/g) of P-MCs. It was suggested that the well-balanced meso- and microporous features of P-MWNTs allow for feasible ion transfer during charge/discharge, leading to the maximizing of charge accumulation.

Graphical abstractThis described the electrochemical characteristics of MWNTs, P-MCs, and P-MWNTs-based electrodes for supercapacitor.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► For well-developed porous carbons, MWNTs/PVCAM composite films were used. ► Porous carbons were formed by one-step carbonization without chemical activation. ► The textural property of porous carbon can be easily controlled by MWNT content. ► MWNTs-embedded carbon-based electrode showed higher specific capacitance. ► It was attributed to the easy ion transfer and maximized charge accumulation.