Partially graphitic hierarchical porous carbon nanofiber for high performance supercapacitors and lithium ion batteries

Partially graphitic hierarchical porous carbon nanofiber is prepared via electrospinning, pyrolysis, activation and acid treatment of the nascent fiber. The ameliorating structural features of the as-obtained carbon nanofiber, such as a relatively high graphitic degree, a high specific surface area and a large pore volume with hierarchical porous structure, acted synergistically, resulting in excellent electrochemical properties. When applied in supercapacitors, the obtained sample delivers a high specific capacitance of 287 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, a high rate capacitance of 196 F g−1 at 100 A g−1 and a high capacity retention of 95.4% at 5 A g−1 after 10,000 cycles. When used as an anode for lithium ion batteries, the prepared electrodes display an exceptionally high reversible capacity of 1495 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, superior cycle stability and an outstanding high-rate capacity of 391 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 for 1100 cycles. These values demonstrate the superiority of partially graphitic hierarchical porous carbon nanofiber as bi-functional electrodes in supercapacitors and Li-ion batteries with outstanding performance. •A partially graphitic hierarchical porous CNF was synthesized.•It owns ultra-high specific surface area of 2721 m2 g−1.•It shows excellent electrochemical performances as bi-functional electrode.