Biomass based nitrogen-doped structure-tunable versatile porous carbon materials

Hierarchical nitrogen-doped porous carbons (HNPCs) with tunable pore structures and ultrahigh specific surface areas were designed and prepared from sustainable biomass precursor cellulose carbamate via simultaneous carbonization and activation by a facile one-pot approach. The as-synthesized HNPCs exhibited an ultrahigh specific surface area (3700 m2 g-1), a high pore volume (3.60 cm3 g-1) and a high level of nitrogen-doping (7.7%). The HNPCs were structurally tunable in terms of their pore structure and morphology by adjusting the calcination temperature. In three-electrode systems, the electrode made of HNPCs prepared at 900 degree C (HNPCs-900) showed a high specific capacitance of 339 F g-1 in 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte and 282 F g-1 in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte at a current density of 0.5 A g-1. An outstanding rate capability ( similar to 73% retention at a current density of 20 A g-1) and excellent cycling stability ( similar to 95% retention after 5000 galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles at a current density of 5 A g-1) in KOH electrolyte were achieved. In two-electrode systems, the electrode made of HNPCs-900 exhibited a high specific capacitance of 289 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 and good rate capacity ( similar to 72% retention at a current density of 20 A g-1) as well as cycling stability ( similar to 92% retention at 2 A g-1) after 5000 cycles. Furthermore, the HNPCs-900 showed an unprecedented adsorption capacity for methylene blue (1551 mg g-1) which was among the few highest ever reported for dye removal. The HNPCs could be used as functional materials for energy storage and waste water treatment.