Abstract:
This study reports modified SBA15 templated mesoporous carbon as a supercapacitor electrode for highefficiency energy storage. Mesoporous carbon was oxidized in concentrated nitric acid at 26℃, 50℃, 70℃, and 100℃. The evolution of mesopores and surface oxygencontaining functional groups (SOFGs) of the mesoporous carbons were studied by nitrogen cryosorption, Xray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results demonstrate that the specific surface area and the mesopore volume decrease, while the SOFGs accumulate with increasing oxidation temperature. The supercapacitor performance was characterized in a KOH aqueous electrolyte. An enhanced energy density with a highest value of 5.7Wh/kg is obtained after oxidation at 100℃ compared to 3.5Wh/kg before oxidation, demonstrating the possibility of using modified mesoporous carbons in high energy density applications. The enhanced energy density is attributed to the contribution of SOFGs to charge storage in both the electric double layer and the Faradic reaction. The power density is also improved with a highest value of 3125W/kg after oxidation at 70℃ compared to the original value of 2015W/kg. The improvement of power density relies on the improved wettability of carbon surfaces, which can facilitate the ion transport.