Enhanced electrochemical performance of graphitized carbide-derived carbon in alkaline electrolyte

• Published in: Electrochimica acta 2015-08, Vol.174, p.411-416
• Main Authors: Xu, Jiang, Wu, Chao, Yan, Pengtao, Wang, Jianxin, Zhang, Ruijun, Zhang, Xuesha, Jin, Jianglong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbide-derived carbon; Electrochemical performance; Pseudocapacitance; Supercapacitor; Wettability
• ISSN: 0013-4686; 1873-3859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2015.06.025

[Display omitted] •Oxygen-containing functional groups can improve the wettability of graphitized CDC.•The treated CDC exhibits great improvement in specific capacitance and rate capability.•The work proposes a route to improve supercapacitive behavior of graphitized carbons. A graphitized carbide-derived carbon (CDC), synthesized by chlorination of TiC at 1000°C, has high specific surface area (SSA), hierarchical micro- and meso-pores, and excellent electrical conductivity. However, the low hydrophilicity leads to poor supercapacitive in alkaline electrolyte. A strategy that introducing oxygen-containing functional groups onto the graphitized CDC by nitrate acid treatment is presented to improve its surface wettability. The treated CDC exhibits a great increase in specific capacitance (from 11.3 to 146Fg−1) and, most interestingly, an enhanced power capability, a rectangular shape being maintained in CV curves even at the scan rate of 500mVs−1. The superiority of the treated CDC is caused by the improved wettability, maintained mesopores and high accessible SSA. Moreover, the introduction of oxygen-containing functional groups contributes the pseudocapacitance of graphitized CDC. Therefore, HNO3 treatment is a promising way to improve the supercapacitive performance of graphitized carbon materials with mesopores and high specific surface area.