Variable texture few-layer ordered macroporous carbon for high-performance electrochemical capacitors

Abstract

Few-layer carbon with an interconnected ordered macroporous structure has unique attributes which are appealing for many applications in energy storage, catalyst support, and thermal management. But to date the preparation of such structures is still challenging. Here we report an ordered macroporous few-layer carbon with variable texture prepared by chemical vapour deposition, using porous opal infiltrated with alumina sol as the template. By adjusting the composition of the interfacial phase, the ordered macroporous structure varies from a square network to a honeycomb structure; this process may be an important new method to control micro-morphology. Aided by its high specific surface area (1240 m² g⁻¹) and meso/microporous structure, this material takes full advantage of the electrochemical attributes of few-layer carbon, featuring a specific capacitance of 415 F g⁻¹, of which 94.5% is retained after 10 000 charging/discharging cycles. Such capabilities may accelerate the adoption of porous carbon for energy storage applications.